On Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026, we will hold an Iwanai Onsen PR event on the second floor Center Plaza of New Chitose Airport. Hot spring hand baths experience ♨ Tastings of craft beer from Iwanai-cho 🍺 Information about the hot spring and town tour “DISCOVER IWANAI,” and a small gift for those who complete our survey♪ Although Iwanai Onsen sits right next to the Niseko area, it is a quiet port town hot-spring destination surrounded by sea and mountains ♨ It has earned nationwide recognition as a beautifying hot spring. Rather than a bustling tourist spot, this is a place we want people to discover who seek quiet, unhurried time with the hot springs. Meet us at the airport, and next time meet us on site. Whether you live nearby or are passing through on a transfer, please feel free to stop by!!! Local specialties will also be on sale at the event booth. Take this chance to get to know Iwanai-cho!!

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Little Kyoto of Tosa What is the Little Kyoto of Tosa? About 550 years ago, amid the Onin War, Lord Norifusa Ichijo, the former kampaku, relocated to Nakamura (now Shimanto City) and established his residence there. In homage to Kyoto, he laid the foundations for shrine and temple construction and the development of the town. ※kampaku: the highest court noble post assisting the emperor Lord Ichijo’s move brought many Kyoto cultural elements to the area and fostered local pride. Even today, place names and shrines recalling Kyoto—such as Gion, Kyomachi, Kamogawa, and Higashiyama—remain. Because the community has long preserved ties with Kyoto, the Nakamura district of Shimanto City is known as the Little Kyoto of Tosa. The town, however, sits in a region prone to natural disasters. Flooding of the Shimanto River, fires, and earthquakes have erased most old buildings, yet the grid-like street pattern formed from the medieval to early modern periods still survives. History of the Tosa Ichijo Family The Tosa Ichijo family began when Lord Norifusa Ichijo moved in 1468 (Onin 2) to Hata no shō in western Kochi Prefecture (present-day Shimanto City), his hereditary estate. The lord directly managed the manor, controlled logistics along the Shimanto River basin, and laid the groundwork for the town to prosper as a trading hub linking Kyushu and Kansai. Norifusa’s son Fusaie remained as a local lord instead of returning to Kyoto, expanding Hata no shō and bringing the Tosa Ichijo clan to its peak. The Tosa Ichijo governed this land as court nobles-turned-daimyo for 106 years—through Fusafuyu, Fusaki, and Kanesada—until they were driven into Bungo by Motochika Chōsokabe in 1574 (Tensho 2). Historic sites that evoke the Ichijo family Tama-hime’s grave Tamahime, a daughter of Prince Fushimi-no-miya Kunitaka and the wife of Ichijo Fusafuyu, came to Nakamura in 1521 (Dai-ei 1) when she married. Because she arrived on June 22 and died on August 22, the 22nd of every month is still affectionately observed by locals as Tamahime Day. Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine During the Bunmei era (1469–1487), the Ichijo family invited the kami from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto to serve as the protective shrine for Hata. The honden preserves Muromachi-period architectural style and is the oldest shrine building in Kochi Prefecture, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Ichijo Shrine Established in 1862 (Bunkyū 2) on a plot of the former Nakamura Gosho Site by local volunteers honoring the Tosa Ichijo legacy, the shrine precinct contains Ichijo-related historic features such as the makeup well and the “never-blooming” wisteria. Shimanto City Museum "Shirotto" This castle-shaped museum stands within the Nakamura Castle Ruins. From its keep-like building you can look out over the Shimanto River and Higashiyama and enjoy sweeping views of the town. The museum exhibits valuable materials on Shimanto’s nature and culture, as well as the history of the Tosa Ichijo, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period patriots, and Shimanto-born socialist Kotoku Shusui. Festivals and events that evoke Little Kyoto Seasonal events that recall Kyoto culture are held here, including the Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu Fuji Matsuri (May), the Daimonji Okuribi bonfire (lunar calendar July 16), the Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival (September), and the Ichijo Grand Festival with the Sacred Fire Procession (November). Shimanto City carries a deep historical bond with Kyoto and a living tradition of inherited culture and performing arts. It is for these reasons, and its historical name Nakamura, that the area came to be called Little Kyoto of Tosa—Nakamura. A history linked to Kyoto, a culture passed down through generations. Come and feel the charm that makes Shimanto City known as the Little Kyoto of Tosa.

Would you like to try a refreshing totono experience?🧖‍♀️ At the spectacular outdoor sauna SHIMODACCI SAUNA, where you can enjoy Shirahama’s sea right before your eyes, we will hold a totono trial on January 11 and 12🌿✨ (Please check the images for event details.) You can enjoy the sauna at a much better rate than usual, and savor the hot springs too😌💭💙 Seats are limited, so we recommend booking in advance⚠️☝️ I actually tried it myself before, and the outdoor cool-down while gazing at the sea felt incredibly good… Even sauna beginners will think, “This is addictive!”✨ I wrote about my experience on my blog, so please give it a read👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250915...

Get drunk on the delicious flavors of Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture! 😍 Savor smoked dishes and sake at Kaneki-ya in Hakushima-Kitamachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City 🥩🍶 Kaneki-ya in Hakushima-Kitamachi, Naka Ward is a popular stop for many people with ties to Shobara. Here you can enjoy snacks made with Hiba Beef and a range of smoked items from Smoked Hakoda. Kaneki-ya also offers sake from breweries in Shobara City! This time, we explored what makes Kaneki-ya so appealing. [Shobara Sightseeing Guide website "Editorial Report" has been updated!] Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5454...

Forest Museum Kimu From Sunday, January 4 the Forest Museum Kimu has opened. ※The museum will be closed on Tuesday, January 6. We look forward to your continued support this year. With the new year, the displays inside the museum have been refreshed. A large sun shines beyond the Red Fuji 🌞 The reddish branches in the foreground are mizuki that were grown at the Flower Park of Roadside Station Kamu. As a memento of your visit, please take a photo holding a hagoita (decorative wooden paddle) 📸 Also, starting today a special exhibition has opened. - SASAKI Craft Exhibition - Works by Sasaki Kogei, a wooden craft maker based in Nagayama, Asahikawa City, are displayed in the museum showcases. The exhibition runs through Friday, March 20. On the final day of the exhibition we plan to hold a woodworking workshop and a shooting gallery event. For details, please see the Mokumu HP. - Forest Museum Kimu Winter opening hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission is accepted until 16:10 Admission fees: 500 yen for high school students and older 300 yen for 4th–6th grade elementary and junior high school students 100 yen for ages 3 through 3rd grade elementary Free for children under 3 Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Kimu#New Year #2026 #We look forward to your visit #Special Exhibition #Sasaki Kogei #Setoushi-kun #Mascot

Happy New Year. For Hokulea Shonan, this year is a year of “brush up.” We believe the future lies in steadily building careful work. We will further hone our skills and thinking, and bravely take on new challenges. We will not forget our gratitude to everyone who supports us, and we will continue to grow while honoring the sea and nature. We look forward to your continued support this year. Hokulea Shonan Representative Terushige Koike --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme “Let’s set out for an unseen world!”, we offer experiences that let you discover the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We hold courses and tours year-round in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. We also respond flexibly to requests tailored to each person. Now, let’s set off together for a new world.

Did you know that some areas in Hiroshima Prefecture get heavy snowfall? ⛄ Shobara City, located in the heart of the Chugoku region at the northernmost part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is known as one of the prefecture’s major heavy-snow zones. You can ski and snowboard at three ski areas in Shobara—Hiroshima Kenmin-no-Mori Ski Area, Dogoyama Kogen Ski Resort, and Ringo Kyowakoku Ski Area—and some campers enjoy winter camping at local campgrounds, so you can get active and enjoy various snow activities. At the National Bihoku Hillside Park, the winter illumination event “Bihoku Illumi” is taking place. The display runs through Monday, January 12, 2026 (a public holiday). Enjoy a magical time with your loved ones as snow, light, and sound come together. ⛄ Also, on Sunday, February 1, a snowball fight tournament will be held. Spectators are welcome even if you don’t participate. Winter is the time to visit Shobara! Please come and see us…! ✨ For winter event details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/133... Visit the “Shobara Tourism Navi” website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com//

Would you like to try a glass fishing float with netting experience? This glass fishing float with netting is ideal as a single-flower vase and makes a great room decoration. ★ Glass Fishing Float with Netting Experience ★ (Reservation required) Location: Kitamae Senshu-no Yakata,Ukon-ke 　　　　 Fukui Prefecture, Nanjo District, Minami-Echizen Town, Kono 2-15 Price: ¥1,400 per person Participants: 1–5 people (please consult us for groups of more than 5) Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservation: Please make a reservation at the Ukonke Museum (Kitamaebune Archives Center) at least one week in advance. 　　　　TEL: 0778-48-2196 https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19168/...

Kopi: Introduction Video to Nishiokoppe Village [1] - The introduction video to Nishiokoppe Village has been released ① - Kopi is active as a singer, actor, and influencer. Following last year, Kopi visited Nishiokoppe Village again this year! Over a one-night, two-day stay, she toured many spots in Nishiokoppe Village and introduced them to viewers 🏃🏃🏃 The Experience Farm, where visitors can stay long-term while taking part in agricultural activities, Forest Park, where you can play at a batting center and go-karts, the village’s only supermarket Q Mart, Tao Shoten, where you can buy venison and bear meat sourced within the village, Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., which manufactures electric guitar bodies, GA.KOPPER, a guest house renovated from a wooden junior high school that closed down, and Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu, where you can enjoy a flower park. In a roughly 30-minute video, all of these are tightly packed together ✨ For more on Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., watch the upcoming YouTube video featuring Mayu Kondo or Kopi’s past videos to see detailed manufacturing processes 👀 Fans of Kopi won’t want to miss her cooking scenes. Don’t miss how she enjoys Nishiokoppe venison and Kouei beef! Watching the video will make you want to eat it 🤤 Kopi braved the cold of Hokkaido in October to convey the experience. Thank you, Kopi, for visiting Nishiokoppe Village! #Settlement promotion #Introduction video #Kopi #Influencer #Actor #Eat #Stay

Merry Christmas! 🎅✨ How are you spending this Christmas? Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest illumination event, Bihoku Illumination, is now underway at National Bihoku Hillside Park 🎄💞 An installation art collective called Mirror Baller, known for creating spaces of light and reflection, presents artworks themed around “Dream,” filling the winter park with magical light and sound. Enjoy a photogenic, moving experience. Last year Mirror Baller occupied a paid special area; this year they are free to enter. 🌟Event details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5326... 🌟Recommended articles🔽 [2025 Updated] Pair the National Bihoku Hillside Park illumination with delicious on-site gourmet treats! https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5380...

Enriched dive to the shipwreck 🚢 Hello 🫧 This is Hokulea Shonan. Today we visited the shipwreck dive site in Atami 🚢 Large schools of fish gathered around the wreck, and we were thrilled by the dramatic underwater scenery 🤩 This time we dived using enriched air (Nitrox). Thanks to that, my body felt much better after the dive ☺️ Enriched air is a breathing gas with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air. Because less nitrogen accumulates in the body, it reduces the risk of decompression sickness and allows for safer dives 👍 Another big benefit is that you get less tired ✌️ Thank you to all the guests who joined us 😊 Diving as a family was truly lovely ✨ From now on, let’s enjoy Atami’s shipwreck more comfortably with enriched air 🥳 🌈 At Hokulea Shonan, you can also earn the Enriched Air Specialty (SP) certification 🙌 We also welcome requests for course dates! --- 🏝️ Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme “Let’s travel to unseen worlds!”, we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We run lessons and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #Hokulea Shonan #Enriched Air #Nitrox #Enriched Diving #CoolJapanVideos #HokuleaShonan #NitroxDiving #EnrichedAir #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue

[Spectacular Views in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture — This Is the Place!] Experience beautiful nature🍃 Top scenic spots in Shobara! Located in the center of the Chugoku region, Shobara covers a territory where 80 percent of the area is forest. This town, where people and nature live together in satoyama-style communities, still preserves natural wonders you won’t find in the city. Here are breathtaking vistas that remind you of the everyday, long-forgotten but precious gifts of vast nature and the kindness of its people. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4019...

[Outdoor and Active Picks in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture] Fun for everyone! 😍 Enjoy Shobara’s vast nature with these activities Blessed with expansive wilderness, Shobara is a summer retreat and home to Ogidani Auto Campsite, one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest campgrounds where you can even try rare snow camping in Western Japan during winter. Beyond camping, thrill-seekers can enjoy rafting, canoe and kayak experiences, and river walking. In winter, you can fully enjoy outdoor sports like skiing. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4018...

Seven must-try ramen shops in Shobara City, at the northern tip of Hiroshima Prefecture 🍜✨ [Shobara Sightseeing Navi website: "Editorial Report" is up!] Check the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5445... In Shobara City, you can enjoy a wide range of ramen, from classic light broths to more unusual bowls. With so many attractive shops to choose from, a steaming bowl of ramen will be just what you want as the cold season sets in!! This time, we introduce ramen you can eat around Shobara City. We’ve summarized each shop’s appeal and characteristics. Be sure to find your favorite bowl 🍜✨

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨ Hello! This is Hokulea Shonan 🤗 This time we went diving at Ose Cape, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿 Right now, among beach dives on the Izu Peninsula, Ose Cape has the highest chance of encountering sea turtles👏 Recently it also made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive! On this dive we met a sea turtle on the first dive👏 No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always gets you excited😄 On sunny days it feels great to relax in the shallow water✨ We also found nudibranchs that are popular with divers👍 Ose Cape was teeming with life and full of highlights 🥳 Thank you to everyone who joined us🙏 If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to head to Ose Cape🌟 We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon〜! --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme "Set out for a world you’ve never seen!", we convey the beauty and joy of nature through diving. We hold over 300 courses and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can participate with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan #HokuleaShonan

[Hot Springs and Day-Use Baths in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture — Your Go-To Spots!] Relax your body and mind 🍃 Hot springs in Shobara♨ These hot springs ease fatigue and offer soothing relief. With open-air baths framed by nature’s year-round scenery, both body and mind unwind. The freely flowing water from mineral-rich pools adds a touch of luxury. Whether on a trip or taking a daily break, be sure to enjoy Shobara’s hot springs. For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4017...

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Must-try local ingredients in Shimanto City! [Part 2] Shimanto City offers so many recommended ingredients that it’s impossible to pick just one. Everything harvested from its rich natural environment is exquisite. You can enjoy the blessings of the Shimanto River, the bounty of the sea, and the fruits of the mountains and countryside—discovering Shimanto’s food culture and local cuisine. 〇 Shimanto’s seafood: Nakamura’s traditional flavor, Nakamura-style salt-seared bonito Bonito tataki is famous across Japan. While salt tataki often means simply sprinkling salt, Nakamura-style salt tataki from the Nakamura region of Shimanto City uses a salt sauce brightened with the juice of vinegar citrus to season the fish. Each restaurant has its own seasoning, creating a traditional flavor you can only taste here. Not only bonito but also fresh fish such as suma (suma-gatsuo) and hagatsuo are used depending on the catch. From March to May you can enjoy the light, refreshing first bonito and migrating bonito, while from September to November the fatty returning bonito and descending bonito are at their best. Salt-seared tataki made from seasonal fish is also available at other times of year. ・Seasonal sashimi Located at the heart of western Kochi Prefecture with abundant fishing grounds, Shimanto City offers fresh fish such as isegi, gure, and kourou at local shops, and bonito is served not only as tataki but also as sashimi. The thick, satisfying cuts of sashimi are a local specialty. 〇 A fish you can’t eat unless you visit Shimanto?! “Biri” bonito Bonito caught in the evening and served to customers about three hours after landing—before rigor mortis sets in—is called biri. It features a strikingly soft yet springy, chewy texture. This extreme freshness creates an addictive bonito that pairs perfectly with sake. (The Hata region dialect word “biri” means “the freshest of the fresh.”) 〇 Shimanto’s beef is delicious too! The legendary female-only “Shimanto Beef” Shimanto Beef is a rare product made exclusively from female kuroge wagyu (black-haired Japanese cattle), with only about 100 heads shipped each year. Its hallmark is sweet, light fat with a low melting point, characteristic of female cattle. Raised with great care at company-run farms, these cattle drink pure mountain water that feeds into the Shimanto River and are fed a special homemade feed blend, hay, and local rice straw. Raised stress-free in quiet mountain valleys with little traffic or people, Shimanto cattle develop intensely sweet, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The quality of the fat produces the sweet flavor and the melting texture in the mouth. The result is an exceptional taste—superb in umami, sweetness, and aroma.

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Must-try ingredients in Shimanto City! [Part 1] Shimanto City offers so many recommended ingredients that it’s impossible to pick just one. Everything harvested from its rich nature is delicious. You can enjoy the river’s bounty, the sea’s offerings, and the mountains’ and countryside’s produce—experiencing Shimanto’s food culture and local cuisine. ○ River bounty from the Shimanto River: “Wild Eel” ・How to tell wild eel apart One way to distinguish wild eel from farmed eel is by the color of the belly. Wild eels spend long lives living on riverbeds and in holes in natural environments. When they feed or escape predators, they often rub their bellies against the river bottom, which can make the belly appear yellow. Because they get plenty of exercise, wild eels are muscular and have a firm texture with a clean, light fat and a concentrated eel flavor. Their girth is often larger than that of farmed eel. ・Delicious ways to enjoy wild eel Thick wild eel grilled over charcoal develops a fragrant, crisp skin and a springy, meaty texture. Popular preparations include kabayaki with sauce and shiroyaki seasoned simply with salt. The liver is used in clear soups, and the bones can be deep-fried. ・Eel fishing Shimanto River’s wild eel are caught by traditional methods such as ishiguro fishing and korobashi fishing, making them a valued local brand ingredient. Wild eel have become scarce in recent years, making them precious. The wild eel season runs from April to September. ・Glass-eel fishing Glass eels, the juvenile eels caught near the Shimanto River, are used for aquaculture. Nighttime glass-eel fishing in winter, lit by attracting lights, creates a magical scene. ○ Farmed eel with a near-wild taste ・How to tell farmed eel apart Farmed eel grow in environments without predators and eat steadily, so their bellies are white and their flesh is tender. They rarely move vigorously or rub against the riverbed, so they grow cleanly. With less exercise than wild eel, farmed eel often carry richer fat. ・Farming Eel farmed in Shimanto approaches the qualities of wild eel, offering resilient skin and firm, meaty thick flesh with a satisfying chew. The fat provides a light, savory richness. ○ A gift from the Shimanto River: “Wild Sweetfish (Ayu)” ・Two names for ayu Ayu often die after about one year and are called “year fish.” Because they feed mainly on riverbed algae, they have a pleasant aroma and are also known as “fragrant fish.” The taste of ayu varies with the river they grow up in. Wild ayu raised in clear rivers and fed high-quality algae are said to have a scent reminiscent of watermelon or cucumber; the wild ayu of the Shimanto River have a rich river fragrance worthy of the name “fragrant fish.” ・Wild ayu Because they scrape algae off stones with their teeth, ayu have developed front teeth and a pointed mouth. They take on a yellowish hue, a moist texture, and a firm belly. ・Delicious ways to enjoy ayu Salt-grilled ayu, which highlights the ingredient, is a classic preparation. Removing the tail, holding the head, and pulling out the bones makes it easy to eat neatly. The post-spawning “ochi-ayu” in December–January, when fat has dropped, is locally enjoyed as a light salt simmer. Other preparations include kanroni (sweet-simmered whole fish) that soften head and bones, and uruka, a salted-fermented ayu innards condiment—among many local ways to eat ayu. ・Ayu fishing Shimanto River still preserves traditional fishing methods such as tomogake (friend-hook) fishing, net fishing, and hiburi (torch) fishing. The wild ayu seasons are June to October 15 and December to January. ○ Springy texture: Shimanto River shrimp Three species of river shrimp inhabit the Shimanto River: tenaga shrimp, hirate (Yamato) tenaga shrimp, and southern tenaga shrimp. Males are notable for claws that can exceed their body length. ・Delicious ways to enjoy river shrimp River shrimp around 3–10 cm long are delicious deep-fried or salt-grilled and eaten whole with the shell for a toasty flavor. Locally, shrimp dashi is used to cook with cucumber or added to somen noodles. ・River shrimp fishing Shimanto River shrimp are caught using traditional methods like korobashi fishing and shibazuke fishing. With prior reservation, visitors can try easy shrimp-fishing experiences. The natural river shrimp season is May to August. ○ Shimanto River crab: Tsugani (Mokuzugani) Tsugani (also called mokuzugani) move downstream in late summer to early autumn to spawn. Although their edible meat is limited, their rich miso (crab paste) is exquisite. ・Delicious ways to enjoy tsugani Tsugani are enjoyed in dishes like tsugani soup, salted boiling, tsugani rice, and local specialties such as gane miso, celebrated as an autumn delicacy. ・Tsugani fishing Fishing methods include crab-basket fishing, where baited baskets are submerged and lifted the next morning, and flow-trap fishing that sets baskets along tsugani migration routes. The natural tsugani season runs from August to October. ○ Local snack: Shimanto gori Gori is a general name for freshwater gobies; in Shimanto City it mainly refers to juvenile gobies such as numachichibu. ・Delicious ways to enjoy gori Gori are deep-fried, simmered in sweet soy-based tsukudani, or locally cooked with finely chopped dried daikon wrapped in egg and served over rice as gori don. ・Gori fishing Fishing begins in March as the river warms and spring approaches. The main method uses the gobies’ habit of moving along the riverbed—nobori-otoshi ue fishing. Another local technique, gara-hiki fishing, has pairs pull a rope with shells attached from upstream to downstream; the clattering shells scare the gobies into traps. The natural gori season is March to May. ○ Fragrant green seaweed: aonori (sujiaonori) ・Delicious ways to enjoy aonori Aonori is dried into powder for use in many dishes and is also used in confections to take advantage of its aroma. ・Harvesting aonori The Shimanto River is one of the country’s leading producers of natural sujiaonori. In winter, you can see people scrape the seaweed that grows on estuarine stones with comb-like tools and sun-dry it. Aonori’s prime season is December to May. ・Delicious ways to enjoy aosa nori Aosa nori grown in the Shimanto River is highly fragrant and very tender. It serves as a base for nori tsukudani, is used for tempura, and is added to soups. ・Harvesting aosa nori From winter through spring, aosa nori cultivated on hibinetsu nets in the estuarine area near the Shimanto River mouth is harvested. The prime season for aosa nori is February to May.

Where to stay in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture: private rented traditional houses and more! A retreat in Shobara to soothe body and mind with satoyama scenery💛 A quiet traditional house hotel nestled in the great outdoors, offering a chance to experience satoyama landscapes you rarely encounter. This special inn pampers you from the inside out with open-air baths, a sauna, gourmet cuisine, and attentive hospitality. For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4016...

[Roadside Stations and Shopping in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture — Your Go-To Spots!] Take a spontaneous drive! 🚗 Enjoy local food and shopping at roadside stations Roadside stations brim with local specialties. They gather regional produce and processed goods, and when you spot one during a drive or trip, it’s the kind of welcoming stop you’ll want to pop into—a pleasant place for everyone to relax. Come by and savor Shobara’s food and shopping offerings. Not only roadside stations but also direct-sale markets and product halls Why not drop by for some shopping on your drive ✨ For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4015...

✨At Sakai City Tea Room Shin-an, the contemporary artists’ tea utensils used at Sakai’s spring event for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai make an appearance✨ ✨From Saturday, December 20 through Sunday, January 25, 2026, for a limited time, guests who use the tea service at Sakai City Tea Room Shin-an can, if they wish, enjoy matcha served in the contemporary artists’ tea utensils used at Sakai’s spring event for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai✨ (You cannot choose the type of tea utensil, so look forward to a surprise ☺) While reminiscing about Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, savor authentic matcha served in these special tea utensils ☺ Tea service is available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM✨ One serving 500 yen (with dry confectionery) ☺ 🔍For details, search for “Daisen Park Area: Rediscover the Attractions of the Expo” https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/kanko/kohosakaievent/sinan.html...

Year-end and New Year Business Hours Notice: With just under three weeks left in 2025, we hope this message finds you well and prospering. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members and the many others who have supported us this year. We ask for your continued patronage in the coming year and offer this as our year-end greeting. — Office Year-end and New Year Hours — Tourism Association Office and Tourist Information Center: Closed from December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Normal business resumes on January 5. Please note that bicycle rentals at the Tourist Information Center will also be suspended during the period above. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely yours.

【Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest Results Announcement🎊】 Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest.” We received many stunning shots that captured the town’s scenery and charm, and this contest became a wonderful opportunity to highlight Reihoku’s appeal.🙇 From a total of 81 submissions, we carefully selected the following winners and are pleased to announce them! 📸【General Category】High school age and above The Grand Prize goes to the nickname “2984”! (second photo) The title is “Chasing the Ball,” taken at the Tomioka Castle Festival. The entrant commented, “The dragon dance that breathes smoke feels unique to Amakusa.”🎶 “2984” will receive a prize of 10,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen at a later date.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive 3,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.💝 First is nickname “Sora” (third photo), titled “Shining Tomioka Castle”🏯. This photo was taken at Tomioka Castle during the castle festival; the entrant wrote, “I climbed up during a break in the festival. The contrast between the white walls and blue sky was very beautiful.” Second is nickname “Green and White and Purple” (fourth photo), titled “Children of the Seaside Town”🌊. The entrant wrote, “Children working together and the glittering sea — it was the perfect moment.”🎶 The following four entrants received Honorable Mentions👏; each will receive Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.🎁 First is nickname “dSuke” (fifth photo), titled “Blooming at Tomioka Castle”🎆. The entrant described: “The sky shifts from dusk to night in a deep blue. Lights reflect on the sea surface, the castle ruins sit on the hill, and large fireworks bloom overlapping that scene.”👍 Second is nickname “Hijikata Tonza Buro” (sixth photo), titled “Mukaizuki Aoi,” and the entrant wrote, “I photographed the Kumamoto-maru docked at Tomioka Port against the background of the annual Jatto Festival fireworks I watch every year!”📸 Third is nickname “Manakan” (seventh photo), titled “Sunset Reflected in the Rice Fields Before Planting,” taken in the castle town. “Water fills the paddies before planting; with no wind the surface is calm. You only see this special scene on a day with a beautiful sunset when everything lines up. I look forward to seeing this view every year,” the entrant wrote.🎶 Fourth is nickname “Arisa” (eighth photo), titled “First Sunrise 2025,” taken at the Tomioka Marine Park observation area🌅. “I visit this spot every year to see the first sunrise. It’s not an exaggeration to say this light powers me through the year. It’s my power spot,” the entrant shared. 📸【Junior Category】Elementary and junior high school students Next are the winners in the Junior Category! The Grand Prize goes to nickname “Melon and Watermelon” with the title “Bustling Castle Festival”! (ninth photo) Congratulations on your win🎊 The entrant said, “I was chatting with friends at the castle festival venue when I suddenly noticed this scene.” “Melon and Watermelon” will receive a 5,000-yen book gift card.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive a 3,000-yen book gift card.🎁 First is nickname “Haru” (tenth photo), titled “Beautiful Sunset,” taken on National Route 324 (Sakasegawa)☀️. “Riding home from cram school, I sat beside my driving mother and the sky was so beautiful I took a photo. I was happy when my mother said, ‘It’s beautiful,’” the entrant wrote.🎶 Second is nickname “Reo” (eleventh photo), titled “Godzilla,” taken on National Route 324 (Kozufukae). The entrant wrote, “Riding in my mother’s car, I saw clouds heading toward the sea that looked like Godzilla.”✨ After a rigorous screening, the works above were chosen as winners. We deeply thank everyone for so wonderfully expressing Reihoku Town’s charm! We appreciate your continued support of Reihoku Town.🙇 Also, the 4th Amashin Photo Contest is currently open! Please check the Notices section on our website for details.📸 🏯【Contact】Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section Address: 4535-2 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2502, inside the Reihoku Chamber of Commerce TEL: 0969-37-1244 E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

On November 19, we held the fourth workshop to develop a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” turning the literary spots and heritage remaining in Reihoku into new tourism resources. This workshop was the final session. Based on the feedback and ideas we have received so far, we reviewed the proposed route and the draft guide manual again and exchanged opinions with the participants. We also read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Nada and Ryōtarō Shiba’s Kaidō o Yuku 17—so participants could feel how the literature still connects with Reihoku today. Going forward, we aim to develop this into an actual sightseeing tour. We will post progress updates on our website, so please look forward to them. Note: We are also collecting ideas and useful tips from people who could not attend the workshop to help shape the walking route. Please take part in the survey on our company website’s news section. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop was held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.

Held at Irozaki Ocean Park! Two-month event — Details 🌿 ◉ Open through January 5! ✴︎ Pop-up Shops ✴︎ Workshops ✴︎ Relaxation ✴︎ Food Trucks We invite artisans and creators from Izu to share the charms of the region with you🫧 ————— 🌳 POP UP SHOPS ◉ Local apparel / IZUBLUE @izublue_373izu ◉ Glass bead goods / Koubou Leaf ◉ Natural stone and European-bead accessories / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Café / Lemone Coffee @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ New Year decorations / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Saitama Fukaya green onion specialty products / kuu @kuu_minamiizu ◉ Japanese-style Ayurveda MOTHER products and ghee / mana @manan.life11 ◉ Accessory goods / .11 @dot.jyuichi ◉ Handmade knit hats for dogs / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Dyed textiles and small items / Shizu & Hiro ◉ Specialty coffee / Moksa Coffee @moksa.coffee ◉ Lighthouse tour — special limited-time price! / Minami‑Izu Geo Guide Association ◉ Izu honey and processed fruit products / The Honey Step @thehoneystep ◉ Mansa sandals / Official Mansa Sandal Instructor Minami Tsuchiya @minami_tsuchiya_run ◉ Aroma herb craft items / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm 💫 WORKSHOPS ◉ Brush calligraphy workshop / kasumi_so @kasumi_so24 ◉ Dyeing experience / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Shimenawa wreath making / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Healing ghee making / mana. @manan.life11 ◉ Make your own chopsticks using a wood plane (kanna) / Kurasu Dogu @kurasu_dogu ◉ Aroma spray making / Island Herb Izu Aroma @island.izu ◉ Hair accessory and bracelet making / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Calendula balm making / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm ◉ Christmas wreath making / Romantic Spaces Achieve @rs.achieve 🌷 RELAXATION ◉ Dog yoga / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Hand reflexology / mana @manan.life11 🍋 FOOD TRUCKS ◉ KaRin Bakery (food truck) — curry bread, curry, chai / KaRin Bakery @karin_bakery.rab ———— We will feature introductions of each vendor in separate posts, so please look for those too🌼 Please note the event may be canceled due to weather. Parking is free for WORKSHOP participants! Please show your parking ticket at the venue reception✴︎ We will post new event information as it becomes available, so please check Instagram. WORKSHOPs have limited capacity, so please reserve in advance☺ Some creators may accept same-day reservations for their WORKSHOPs! To reserve, contact via Instagram DM or call Ocean Park at 0558-65-1600✧

⋆⸜ꕤ🔸[Nishio Meikyuen] Announcement of Goku-Sakai Hojicha Tasting Event 🔸ꕤ⸝⋆ We will hold a tasting event where you can enjoy “Goku-Sakai Hojicha” from Sakai’s renowned shop, Nishio Meikyuen.🍵 Please take this opportunity to savor the rich flavor of “Goku-Sakai Hojicha,” perfected for its roasted aroma and mellow taste.✨ We warmly look forward to seeing you there‼🌈 📅 Date and Time: Sunday, December 7, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM 📍 Location: Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, 1st floor, TAKUMI SHOP [Traditional Industry and Sakai Products Corner] (@sakaidensan) 🔍 For details, search “Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum hojicha tasting”! 🔗 https://www.sakaidensan.jp/news/425096... https://www.sakaidensan.jp/news/425096...

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Seven must-visit attractions when you come to Shimanto City Here are facilities where you can enjoy activities and experience the history and culture of Shimanto City. 1 Nakamura area Facing the Pacific at the mouth of the Shimanto River, Nakamura area in Shimanto City was developed about 550 years ago by the Ichijo family, court nobles from Kyoto, who modeled the townscape on Kyoto. Many place names mirror those in Kyoto, and historical sites from that era still remain. Shimanto River Pleasure Boat Enjoy the scenery of the Shimanto River and a moment of timeless charm. Regularly scheduled boats, private charters, and reservation-only dining yakatabune (pleasure boats with meals) are available. From late May to early June, firefly boat tours run so you can watch fireflies dancing above the Shimanto River. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko Situated on the banks of the Shimanto River, this experience facility sits amid abundant nature. Alongside river activities such as canoeing and SUP, it offers auto camp sites. A range of equipment rentals makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the Shimanto River up close. Tombow Natural Park Shimanto River Museum The world’s first dragonfly sanctuary. The park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly and features seasonal flowers. At the adjacent Shimanto River Museum, permanent exhibits include about 3,000 dragonfly specimens representing 1,000 species from around the world, and roughly 130 species of fish from the Shimanto River and other rivers, teaching visitors about the current state of the Shimanto River. Shimanto Iyashi no Sato A hot spring facility on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River estuary. The facility houses Shimanto Iyashi no Sato, which offers hot spring water drawn within Shimanto City, and Restaurant Yamakawumi, serving dishes that make the most of the river’s generous bounty. Shimanto City Folk Museum This castle-shaped museum stands on the site of Nakamura Castle, once the stronghold of Yasutoyo Yamanouchi, the younger brother of Kazutoyo Yamauchi. Inside, it presents life, history, and culture woven with the Shimanto River under the theme “a town living with the river.” It also displays valuable materials related to the Tosa-Ichijo clan, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period loyalist Makiyoshi Higuchi, and Meiji-era socialist Kotoku Shusui, a notable figure born in Nakamura. The top floor serves as an observation deck with panoramic views of the Shimanto River, Higashiyama, and the city. 2 Nishitosa area Upstream in Shimanto City, the Nishitosa area features scattered riverside settlements and peaceful scenery. At night, with few surrounding lights, the stars shine without being obscured by artificial illumination, offering pristine stargazing. Shimanto River Station Canoe Offering beginner-friendly canoe tours, this facility provides half-day and full-day basic courses under instructor guidance. The building also exhibits canoes from around the world. As a river station, it operates the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle as well. Shimanto Gakusha A former local school renovated into a lodging experience facility. Classrooms and the nurse’s room remain as overnight rooms, and desks and other furnishings from the school days are preserved. You can enjoy Shimanto River–specific experiences such as canoeing, stream trekking (shower climbing), and raft play. Hotel Seira Shimanto Perched on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, this hotel offers an outstanding, nature-surrounded location. Signature dishes feature the river’s bounty, including ayu (sweetfish), river shrimp, and Shimanto beef. An adjacent 4-meter observation dome and staff-led stargazing introduce guests to the wonders of the night sky. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa Located where Japan National Route 441 and Japan National Route 381 meet in the midstream area of the Shimanto River, this station is a gateway to Shimanto River sightseeing. A signature small truck displayed in the center of the store showcases fresh local produce, handmade processed foods, and boxed lunches ranging from seasonal items to regional traditional dishes. At the Ayu Market, which focuses on wild-caught products, you can see and purchase ayu as well as eel and freshwater crabs, enjoying the Shimanto River’s rich bounty firsthand.

“Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City’s Finest from Farming Town” Winter Gifts 2025 Start! ✨ Get extra savings by adding our official LINE account as a friend Details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special/5357... Shop directly from producers to enjoy the flavors of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Winter Gifts 2025 are now open for orders at Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP, our producer-direct online store! ⛄🎁✨ [Order Period] Until Friday, December 26, 2025 This year’s lineup includes fan-favorite products such as the “Hiba Beef Soboro and Shigure-ni Set,” made with 100% Hiba Beef—the legendary branded wagyu of Shobara—easy-to-eat “Shobara Wild Boar Gyoza” with no strong gamey taste, a “Charcoal-Smoked Assortment” that brings out the best of Shobara’s premium ingredients, Aigamo (duck) raised alongside rice in Tojo Town, and Ichiki Town’s “Shikishin Natural Yam,” all perfect companions for the winter season. Last year’s popular winter selection, the “Bihoku Mon Gift,” returns with a newly prepared New Rice Companion Set and a Sweets Set. We also offer the “Shobara City Branded Rice Set” and the “Shobara 20th Anniversary Commemorative Sake,” among other direct-from-producer gifts filled with producers’ dedication. These seasonal tastes make wonderful gifts for loved ones and are also perfect as gourmet deliveries to enjoy at home—please try them during this season✨ Plus, everyone who newly adds the Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP official LINE account as a friend will receive an exclusive friend-only coupon. See the link for more details!

📢 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) will feature a Sakai City booth🎉 This Sunday, November 23rd, the Kofun Fest HaniCotto takes place in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, and Sakai City will have a booth there!✨ It’s a chance to pick up tourist information about Sakai City! We’ve also prepared a photo spot featuring the city’s new “hot air balloon” attraction, which has been in the news recently♪ Be sure to take a commemorative photo! Admission is free, so please come by— we look forward to seeing you!💕 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) Date and time: Sunday, November 23rd, 10:00–16:00 ※Held rain or shine (canceled only in severe weather such as official warnings) Location: Imashirozuka Kofun, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture (48-8 Gunge-Shinmachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture) 🔍For details, search “Kofun Fest HaniCotto” https://hanicotto.com/category/news/page/3/...

Christmas Wreath Making Onesmanorgarden, which designs and builds gardens, invited garden planner Yuka Sato as an instructor to host a fun hands-on crafting session. What we made was a Christmas wreath using eucalyptus leaves and other foliage. In April we made wreaths from dried hydrangeas, but this time a row of fresh, live leaves was laid out. Surrounded by the scent of nioi-hiba, we first trimmed long branches into shorter lengths. From there we made the components to attach to the ring, glued them together, and tied them onto the ring with wire. We repeated that process over and over until the ring was covered. The steps are very simple. However… from start to finish you have to keep the volume consistent, bundle while considering the balance of leaves and berries, and skillfully fill in gaps so none remain. It really makes you think. Our fingertips turned dark from the leaf oils as we worked in silence, and after about three to four hours we finished a lush, full wreath! Adding gold or silver pine cones and wrapping ribbons changed each piece’s final impression during the finishing touches. Participants took their finished works home and seemed to hang them on walls and elsewhere in their homes. As time passes and they dry, their color and texture change. It was a project that let us enjoy qualities different from dried pieces. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Wreath making #Christmas #Eucalyptus #Pine cone #Handicraft