Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Canoeing & Sauninging Canoeing in winter? Isn’t it cold? Not at all — winter brings its own way to enjoy canoeing. This is "Canoeing & Sauninging." After paddling and entering the sauna, your body and mind will feel refreshed and balanced. Would you like to try this in the great outdoors? The sauna meal is a Gokasecho specialty. Season: January to March Price: Adults (high school age and older) JPY 9,000 (includes sauna meal: special horu hotpot) Booking: Shizenya Kawajin (Email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Snow Trekking & Sledding An activity unique to Gokasecho, a town with a ski resort! Snow mountain climbing and sledding! The rush of sliding down snowy slopes on a sled is addictive! We provide a warming lunch. *Subject to snow accumulation from January to March* Price 10,000 yen per person; minors must be accompanied by a guardian Lunch included: hot sandwich and soup (menu may change) How to apply Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Footpaths A footpath refers to a route where you can walk while enjoying unspoiled nature, old townscapes, rice paddies and other pastoral scenery. Each footpath comes with a dedicated map, and directional signs are posted along the course, so you follow those as you walk. You can enjoy this footpath simply by following the map and signs, but its appeal is greatest on a guided tour. A local guide who knows the settlement’s history, culture and natural features will multiply the footpath’s interest many times over. <Fees> ・Adults (junior high school and older) ¥3,000 ・Elementary school students ¥2,000 *Operated for groups of two or more (elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian) <Booking> Gokase Nature School Postal code 882-1201 6452-Otsu Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-73-6366 ●Course Introductions● 1. Footpath: Gokasecho Miyano-hara District Miyano-hara is an old settlement dotted with many weeping cherry trees, led by a roughly 300-year-old shidarezakura at Josenji Temple. Sankasho Shrine, which has an inner sanctuary on Mt. Futagami—said to be the landing place of the heavenly grandson—features beautiful rhododendrons and the shrine building is adorned with superb carvings of hippocampi. The river is crossed by a stone-built megane (arch) bridge, and the course includes the “Bird’s Nest” terraced rice field selected among the Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, stepped fields, bamboo groves and mixed woods—a sunny, peaceful route worthy of recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. We recommend walking here in spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. <Schedule> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Onsen Kijiya (9223 Hirokino, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) ◎Special offer: discounted admission to Gokase Onsen Kijiya (Adults ¥500→¥300, Children ¥300→¥200) 2. Footpath: Gokasecho Kasabe District A small hamlet of about ten households located on the northern edge of Mount Gion-yama, considered the birthplace of the Gion tradition in Kyushu. The spring water that wells up from Gion-yama is true famous water. To make use of this water for community development, locals built a log-house pavilion from local cedar and named it Kasabe Water Station. The highlight is a giant hinoki cypress said to be 700–800 years old. It is nicknamed “God’s Hand” because it resembles a powerful man’s left hand, and it draws many visitors. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Kasabe Water Station (Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 3. Footpath: Gokasecho Kuwanonai District Kuwanonai is a village with spectacular views of Mt. Aso from anywhere and beautiful sunsets. With many tea fields, it traditionally produces pan-fried tea that has won imperial awards. Recently, black tea made from Japanese tea leaves has become popular, and the area also cultivates flowers, cherry tomatoes and grapes, and raises domestic black Wagyu cattle—farming and livestock remain the core industries. The cozy farm-stay program promoted by the Sunset Village Development Council is popular; students from across Asia visit on school trips. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Winery (4847-1 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 4. Footpath: Gokasecho Habu District Historically active in trade with Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture), this area once served as a logistics hub. Today it is the inner retreat of Kuwanonai, backed by steep terrain and Kyushu’s magnificent mountains, including Mt. Aso. Photographers and painters favor many spots here, and you can find quintessential rural scenery that feels truly countryside. The course has many ups and downs, offering a bit of a hiking experience. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Town Coexistence Welfare Facility (1514-5 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: e-bike (E-bike) Experience An e-bike is an electrically assisted bicycle. Built like a mountain bike (MTB), it is designed for off-road use, rough terrain, and steep mountain paths. Because it has electric assistance, people with less strength and beginners can easily climb hills. There are two course types to enjoy, suitable for beginners and active riders alike. 1. Mamihara Course This easy-to-ride course follows the old prefectural border road, passing traditional stone-paved streets, a historic post town, and highland areas. The route is safe, so even those with little confidence can ride with peace of mind. 2. Kuwanouchi Course This course suits both beginners and active riders. It offers sweeping views of Mt. Aso and passes Gokase Winery, a shrine’s ancient tree, tea fields, and unpaved sections for a more active experience. Time Morning session: Meet 09:30 — Finish 12:00 Afternoon session: Meet 13:00 — Finish 15:30 Meeting place Gokase no Sato Camp Village (141-1 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203) Participation fee: Adults 6,000 yen (high school students and older) *The fee includes accident insurance and e-bike rental. Period: Year-round Other details ・Reservations required ・Participants must be at least 150 cm tall ・Please provide the age of all participants when booking. ・If the event cannot be held due to bad weather, we will notify you by phone or text message by the day before. If a decision can be made several days in advance for events like typhoons, we will notify you at that time. Reservations Shizenya Kawajin (Email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Experiences: Soyokyo Lake SUP Half-Day Tour Enjoy a half-day SUP tour around the scenic reservoir framed by the green slopes of Soyokyo. This plan is suitable even for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! Note: Available from April through October Price Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen Elementary school student 4,500 yen Dog 1,500 yen Note: Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian Participation fee includes accident insurance and SUP equipment rental Meeting point and times Meeting times Session 1: Meet at 9:30 — Finish at 12:00 Session 2: Meet at 13:00 — Finish at 15:30 Meeting place Soyō Branch Office, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Address: 500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Reservation Contact: Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Soyokyo Canyon Canoe Tour This half-day plan lets you leisurely paddle a canoe around the scenic reservoir surrounded by the green of Soyokyo. It’s suitable for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! ※Season: March to November Price ・Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen ・Elementary school student 4,500 yen ・Toddler 2,500 yen ・Dog 1,500 yen ※Toddlers from around age 2; toddlers and elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian ※Participation fee includes accident insurance and canoe equipment rental. Meeting place and time ・Meeting times [1st session] Meet 9:30 — End 12:00 [2nd session] Meet 13:00 — End 15:30 ・Meeting place “Yamato Town Soyou Branch Office,” Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture (500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Booking Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Summer is the festive season. Several festival occurs during the summer time all over the country. This is one is taken from Shinjuku Eisa festival. During the festival time I saw this young, energetic and enthusiastic boy. He was very happy to perform. Despite very hot humid summer he performed delightfully.

This is a photo of the Yamamoto Sunflower Festival taken in the evening.

The "Yamamoto and Sunflower Festival" in Yamamoto Towns, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture was held in from July 19~28. Approximately 2.8 million sunflowers bloomed on a vast area of farmland of about 7.6 hectares.

During our trip to Saitama prefecture my wife and friend enjoyed the summer time in the sunflower field in kumagaya city of Saitama prefecture. A very relaxing and refreshing moments. We really enjoyed the short trip.

Speaking of summer in Tokyo, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival It was the best fireworks festival in the Kanto region in terms of both tradition and formality, and a total of about 20,000 fireworks at the first and second venues lit up the night sky of Tokyo.

New Three Great Night Views and Fireworks Festival Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival held the other day Since it is launched near the city, it can be captured in one photo with the night view The shooting location was on a Elevated terraces a little away from the launch site, but it was crowded with many people to see the flowers rising on this night The moment the grand Finale ended, the applause was directed at the fireworks artist

Located on the western edge of tokyo​, okutama​ offers a striking contrast to the urban landscape. With its lush mountains, serene lakes, and a mesmerizing limestone cave, Okutama provides an ideal setting for both exhilarating outdoor activities and peaceful relaxation. Its close proximity to the city center makes it a popular choice for day trips.

Hokkaido is hot again this year It's been a very hot day many times The sunflowers are also in full bloom, Summer is in full swing.

The summer season has arrived! Held in each festival and it feels ♪♪ like summer has come Restrooms available for Matsuri Highlands, so we will advertise it a little early! The 56th Festival Highlands will be held in on Sunday, October 20, 2024! A joint Held in with last year's Same as above "Japan Birthplace Festival" is also planned! The "fireworks" in Highlands use music and lasers every year, and the best part is that they are very powerful because they are launched near the festival venue! I don't know about this year's fireworks yet, but it's a loss if you don't come to see them when you launch them *'▽' The fireworks in the photo use an image of the festival Highlands from a few years ago! !! * We will report again as soon as we know the details!

For a Limited Time in summer, "Umbrella Sky" is born in the vast and Rich in nature picnic garden adjacent to the New Furano Prince Hotel. 747 colorful umbrellas fluttering in the wind shone in the blue summer sky.

In the hill towns of Biei, countless rolls roll around in the vast fields that appear in summer. This roll is called a "barley culm roll" and is a roll made of rolled wheat straw. In other words, it is a summer tradition in Biei after harvesting wheat.

After all, the season in Biei is summer. Biei in July is the hill of Shikisai no Oka There were a few clouds over Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group, but I was able to enjoy the colorful flower fields and wonderful scenery

EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! How do you do! It is the West City Tourist Association. Saitoshi is a city located in the central region of Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu. It is a town full of historical romance and such as National Special Historic Site Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus, one of the largest Kofun Tumulus in the Japan, and Togun Castle, the residence of Ito, the lord of Hyuga Country. Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus is a scenic spot for flowers Spring with 2,000 cherry blossoms and 300,000 rape blossoms, 1 million sunflowers in summer, and 3 million cosmos in autumn. Access is about 10 minutes from the Nishito IC on the Higashikyushu Automobile Expressway. Use public transportation is about 60 minutes by bus from downtown Miyazaki City. Cool JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended Tourist Information in Nishi City, Miyazaki Prefecture, so please follow us! 【Introduction of recommended Sightseeing spots in Nishi City, Miyazaki Prefecture】 ・Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus It is a group of Kofun Tumulus that was designated as a National Special Historic Site in Showa 27. In 2018 Heisei 30, it was certified as a Japan heritage site. It is one of the largest Kofun Tumulus in the Japan, with more than 300 Kofun Tumulus from the late 3rd century to the first half of the 7th century scattered on a plateau of about 2.6 km from east to west, 4.2 km from north to south, and Elevation 50~80m. It is also known as a scenic spot for flowers, and you can enjoy various landscapes throughout the four seasons, with 2,000 cherry blossoms and 300,000 rape flowers blooming in Spring, 1 million sunflowers blooming in summer, and 3 million cosmos blooming in autumn. Access is about 10 minutes from the Nishito IC on the Higashikyushu Automobile Expressway. Use public transportation Get off at Miyazaki Kotsu Saito Bus Center and take a taxi for about 5 minutes. #West City #Miyazaki Prefecture #Kyushu #Saitobaru #Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus #Cherry blossoms #Rape flower #Sunflower #Cosmos #Kofun Tumulus #History #Tourism #Travel #Tourist Association

Hope for the reconstruction of the Noto earthquake This is rice field art in Gyoda City, Saitama Jade Prefecture. Every year, volunteers spend one week creating various shapes. This year, they prayed for the recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Please come and visit us 😆

Hello. This is Ryusuido at Shosenkyo Crystal Valley 😊 It turned July and the heat has been intense; how is everyone feeling? Near Senga Falls, the spray from the waterfall feels like a refreshing shower, and sunlight filtering through the trees reflects off the water to create a beautiful sparkle ✨ At Ryusuido above the falls, we offer many summer-perfect stones such as larimar and elestial amethyst. Please drop by our cool shop inside as well 😄 All of our staff look forward to the day we can meet your wonderful smiles.

Hello! This is the Futtsu Tourism Association. Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture is a fascinating region boasting beautiful nature and rich history facing Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bounty of the sea and the historical scenery are loved by many tourists. ◆◆What is Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture◆◆ Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, is located on the Tokyo Bay side of the Boso Peninsula and is an area rich in Rich in nature surrounded by mountains such as Mt. Kano and Mount Nokogiri and Tokyo Bay. The south side from Cape Futtsu is designated as Minami-Boso Quasi-National Park, and there are many fishing ports such as Hamakanaya Port and Kamisominato Port, which are ferry terminals. If you use the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, it takes about 1 hour by car from central Tokyo and has good access to, so it is recommended for day trips. ◆◆Introduction to sightseeing spots in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture◆◆ ◇Mother Farm It is a popular spot for families, where you can interact with animals and enjoy seasonal flowers. Activities include sheep shows, piglet races, milk-squeezing experiences and fruit picking. ◇Mount Nokogiri It is a mountain with an elevation of 329.5 meters that straddles Futtsu City and the neighboring town of Kyonan Town, and is called "Mount Nokogiri" because the shape of the mountain is jagged and looks like the teeth of a saw. It is a historic spot that has been quarrying Boshu stone since the Edo period, and there are many attractions such as "Jigoku-nozoki peering into hell", "Hyakushaku Kannon", "Magaibutsu", and "One Thousand Five Hundred Arhats" protruding from the ruins of the quarry. ◇Tokyo Bay Kannon The 56-meter-tall Large Kannon Statue quietly watches over Tokyo Bay. It also serves as a lighthouse. ◇Tokyo Bay Ferry It is a regular ferry that crosses Tokyo Bay from Futtsu City and connects Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture on the Miura Peninsula in about 40 minutes. You can enjoy the superb view of the Boso Peninsula and Miura Peninsula and the beautiful view of Tokyo Bay from the Ocean. ◇Futtsu Coast Siohigari every year from March to August Chiba Prefecture you can enjoy Siohigari at the shallow Coast "Futtsu Coast Siohigari Beach" adjacent to Futtsu Park. It is a full facility with a parking lot for 1200 cars and coin-operated showers charged. ◇Shinmaiko Beach It is a popular Beaches where you can play in the sea with high transparency. If the weather is good, you can see the cityscape of Yokohama such as the Yokohama Bay Bridge and the Landmark Tower over Tokyo Bay. Outside the Out of area, you can also enjoy surfing. ◇ Sunset at Cape Futtsu It is a cape that starts out of Tokyo Bay, and there is the Meiji Centennial Memorial Observation Tower, Siohigari Beach, and the Coast. It is one of the best sunset spots in Within Chiba Prefecture, and if the weather is good, you can see Mt. Fuji illuminated red by the sunset over Tokyo Bay. ◆◆ Specialty products of Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture ◆◆ Nori cultivation has been popular in Futtsu City since the Edo period, and seaweed, known as "Kamisou Nori," is a flavorful seaweed grown with the abundant nutrition of Tokyo Bay. In Futtsu City, where the fishing industry is thriving, fresh seafood such as Shiro Mill, Sea bass, Kiss, sea cucumber, Marbled flounder, Barracuda, Japanese common squid, and clams are landed. Oyster farming in Tokyo Bay began in 2018, and Meaty oysters are also grown off the coast of Futtsu. Please taste the seafood gourmet of Futtsu City. These Specialty products are also popular as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payments in Futtsu City. ◆◆ Festivals and events in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture ◆◆ ◇Umadashi Festival at Azuma Shrine Mikoshi portable shrines and Shinto horses parade through the streets of Futtsu City, and on Iwase Coast, they gallop along the sandy beaches to excite spectators. ◇Futtsu Citizens' Fireworks Festival As a summer tradition, beautiful fireworks color the night sky at Futtsu Beaches. You can enjoy about 2,300 fireworks while bathing in the sea breeze of Tokyo Bay. ◆◆Tourist Information of Futtsu City◆◆ Please create a page of memories in Futtsu City, which is rich in Rich in nature surrounded by magnificent views of Tokyo Bay and mountains. It is also recommended to enjoy sightseeing in Futtsu Town and take a trip to heal your daily fatigue at an inn with Natural hot springs by the sea. We will send out the latest information and recommended information of Futtsu City, so Best regards!

The Gion Festival is also known as the "Moving Art Museum". The Yamaboko that suddenly appears in the usual scenery Blend in with the cityscape of Kyoto Impression every year by the beauty of the decorations.

Cycling Guide Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan Last weekend, a group of six joined our cycling guide tour! Under clear skies after the rainy season, we cycled while taking in views of the Alps and the Tenryu River. After arriving at the orchard, we went peach picking. They enjoyed harvesting the most popular variety, Akatsuki. After cycling, we moved to the cafe for peach desserts! Everyone fully enjoyed the cycling and peach picking, which made us happy too. Thank you for joining us!

On the morning of the Gion Festival procession, The figure of the Yamaboko quietly waiting for its turn There and a little tension in the silence, It gave off an indescribable aura.

Hello 😀 This is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. The rainy season has finally ended and summer vacation is here — the sightseeing season has arrived! Come and visit Shosenkyo Gorge 😆 The first photo shows the familiar Kakuempou, the main peak of Shosenkyo Gorge, rising about 180 meters. See the majestic rock mountain with your own eyes. The second photo shows Senga Falls. This roughly 30-meter waterfall chills only the area around it, offering a refreshing coolness. The third photo shows the fissure in the earth directly behind Senga Falls. Don’t miss the spectacular sight of the towering split rock. We look forward to your visit 🙂

It is a sunset view of Hyakungura in Kumano Kodo and Kokumotori-Etsu. The sun is going down quietly.

[Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho] Local Specialty and Souvenir: kama-iri tea Kama-iri tea is made by pan-frying tea leaves instead of steaming them. This method, similar to the process used for oolong tea, brings out the tea’s natural aroma. Compared with standard steamed teas, it boasts a light, refreshing flavor and excellent fragrance that make it easy to drink cup after cup.

【🌻 Summer Gokase 2024 Campaign 🌻】 We're doing it again this year! An Instagram campaign 💪✨ Post a photo of your favorite summer scene in Gokasecho—people, buildings, nature, anything that feels like summer—on Instagram with the hashtags #Gokase and #Summer Gokase 2024! Every day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokasecho! Outstanding entries will also receive assortments of Gokasecho specialty products!! Entries you post will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media channels as they are received. [Period] From Monday, July 22, 2024 to Saturday, August 31, 2024 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Prizes] (Contents may change.) Gold Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Silver Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Bronze Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Daily Prize…Gokasecho specialty product — one winner per day during the campaign [Eligibility] Anyone who agrees to the terms of use [How to Enter] 1) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2) Post a summer photo taken in Gokasecho on Instagram with the hashtags #Gokase and #Summer Gokase 2024 ■Anyone may enter with a summer photo taken within Gokasecho. ■Winners will be contacted by the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account @gokase_kanko. (If you do not reply within two weeks, the entry will be invalid.) ■Entries from accounts that block direct messages or are set to private are not eligible. ■Please respect subjects’ portrait rights when photographing people and obtain permission when necessary; follow proper manners. ■Posted photos may be published on the Gokase Tourism Association website or its social media. Publication does not guarantee winning the Daily Prize. *Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them before applying.* Come find the Gokase summer you love 🥰 It's already getting hot, so remember to stay hydrated and replenish salts, and please take care to avoid heatstroke ⚠️

Kabira Bay 2023.07 Memories of my trip to Okinawa Since it was close to evening, I was able to take a picture when no one was around. You can't swim in Kabira Bay because the tide stream fast, but you can take a walk in the bay in a glass boat. You can relax while looking at the seabed in the beautiful bay.