🐋 Prayer for the opening of the sea and the safety of the sea The long-awaited summer has arrived ✨ At two beaches in Mikuni Town, Fukui Prefecture, a sea opening ceremony was held 🌅 to pray for safety Use also conducts water rescue drills to protect the safety of all users, and the Bathing in the sea season is in full swing! 🏖 Mikuni Mr./Ms. Set Beach ・ The shallow and wide beach is Popular with Families! ・ Marine sports are popular 🏄 ・ Held in Mikuni Fireworks Festival on 8/11 Sun! ⁡ Famous as a Spot to watch the sunset. 🏖 Hamachi Beaches ・ It features beautiful sandy beaches and highly transparent seawater! You may be able to observe the fish. ・ In the vicinity, there are plenty of leisure facilities such as Echizen Matsushima Aquarium and Shibamasa World This year is expected 😖 to be hotter than last year You can come to cool off or play to your heart's content! Be sure 🍽️ to stop by the surrounding Sightseeing spots This summer, I'm coming to visit the sea of Mikuni~ ☺️ ࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶ In the middle 💘 of the charm of Fukui Prefecture Check out our past posts!

🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024 — Results Announcement 🌸 Thank you for waiting‼️ Here are the results of “Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024” 🥳👏 We received a total of 116 votes this time ✍️✨ Thank you so much for all your votes 😌 Now for the results 👇👇👇 🥇 Gold Prize @gokase_pan — Rain and the Night at Josenji Weeping Cherry Tree 🥈 Silver Prize @sakai_0808 — Nighttime Hanami Camp at the Waterfront Park 🥉 Bronze Prize @niidome2110 — Evening at Josenji Weeping Cherry Tree Congratulations to all the winners㊗️🥳🎉 And thank you to everyone who participated and submitted entries 🙏✨ By the way…… We’ll soon announce a photo contest on Instagram themed around summer in Gokase 😳💡 Please join us again 🥰

【Inage Seaside Park】 Inage Seaside Park is a comprehensive park with a length of about 3 km and an area of about 83 hectares, located on the coast of Tokyo Bay, in front of Kaihin New Town. In the park, you can enjoy Japan's first artificial beach "Inage-no-hama", Chiba City flower museum, swimming pool, sports facilities, yacht harbor, and all four seasons. 〇Inage-no-hama It is the first artificial beach built in Japan to recover the sandy beach of Inage Coast that was lost due to land reclamation. Today, this sandy beach has been renovated into a white sand beach and is popular as a place of relaxation for citizens. In addition, a new "wooden deck extending to the sea" with a length of 90 meters and a width of 10 meters has appeared, so everyone can easily enjoy a walk on the Ocean. Chairs and tables are set up at the end of the wooden deck, and if you bring in drinks and snacks purchased from the Kitchen Car, you can feel like a Ocean café. It is lit up at night and you can enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. 〇Inage Seaside Pool INAPOO A new complex pool with a retro-modern concept that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. The concept is retro-modern, which is a fusion of nostalgia and newness. In addition to the conventional pool content, we offer a variety of Activities such as large playground equipment, paid seating where you can relax more slowly, and a restaurant. In 2024, it will open on Saturday, July 13! 〇Inage Yacht Harbor A yacht harbor where you can enjoy the sea breeze with the new Central Tokyo in the background. Held in various events such as yacht experience sessions that beginners and parents and children can participate in, purse seine fishing visiting the sites, and standup paddleboarding classes. 〇Flower Museum We are currently in the process of renewing it. The atrium building and greenhouse building, which will be the center of the museum, will be renovated as Facilities where you can Fun the fusion of conventional flower and plant exhibitions and digital technology. Currently, the surrounding garden and rest building are open to the public free of charge. As of July 1 〇small planet CAMP＆GRILL You can enjoy sustainable glamping facilities that coexist with the Nature environment. It is equipped with safe facilities that are great for women and children who are new to the outdoors, so you can spend your time comfortably. We also offer BBQ using freshly picked ingredients from Chiba. There is also a Day trip plan that allows you to stop by casually, Restrooms available customers who come to the beach or pool can easily enjoy it as if they were stopping by a café. 〇The Surf Ocean Terrace A seaside restaurant with a view of the sea and sky. A superb view of Tokyo Bay spreads out in front of you. Fun on the seaside terrace with spacious sofas for food and drinks. You can also overlook the sea from the calm atmosphere of the store, which uses plenty of wood.

Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Overview Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sits in the eastern part of Shiojiri City on gently sloping terrain. From the summit’s 360-degree viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps, Lake Suwa, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji. Seasonal Highlights <Spring–Summer> The highland is popular for easy observation of diverse alpine plants such as rhododendron (Renge tsutsuji) and geranium (Hakusan fuuro). From early summer to autumn, grazing dairy cows create a pastoral, otherworldly landscape. <Autumn–Winter> From mid-October, you can often see majestic sea-of-clouds formations. Camping and Outdoor Activities Since 2021, responding to the recent outdoor boom, growing workation demand, and increased interest in environmental protection, outdoor initiatives have begun, including development of camping areas so visitors can enjoy the highland in many ways. Visitor Notes for Mt. Takabocchi Highlands There are no water facilities such as cooking water taps, so please bring your own water. Toilets are available, and vending machines sell drinks including water. Basic Information Recommended Seasons June (rhododendron), June–October (cow pasturing), late October–December (sea of clouds) Address Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Access Access to Mt. Takabocchi Highlands 13 km from Shiojiri IC *Closed for winter roughly early December through late April For car navigation *Gake no Yu Route Search for Gunjo-kaku (〒399-0071 6114-235 Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Tel: 0263-58-2140). It is about 7 km and a 15-minute drive from Gunjo-kaku. *Higashiyama Route If “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands” is not registered, use Higashiyama Community Center (Tel: 0263-56-2485) as a landmark for the Takabocchi entrance from Japan National Route 20. Address: 869-4 Former Shiojiri Higashiyama, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Parking First Parking Lot (adjacent to Kusakazuba racing field, free) Second Parking Area (Toppouguchi, free) Toilets Available at the First Parking Lot and the Second Parking Area Contact 0263-88-8722 (Shiojiri City Tourist Information Center)

Notice of the 100th Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival Is the rainy season not coming—or has it already come? Before we knew it, it’s July. A Shinano Town summer tradition returns: the Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival is on again this year! Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024 Fireworks start: 7:30 PM (scheduled) Event will proceed even in rain Venue: Lake Nojiri Traffic restrictions will begin around the venue from 6:30 PM on the day. Please see the venue map for details on traffic restrictions. This year, the organizing committee will not provide free parking around the venue. Paid shuttle buses will run from Kurohime Station and Kurohime Highland; please use them. Paid Shuttle Bus Information 1. Kurohime Station 2. Town-operated Kurohime Highland Parking Lot Buses will depart from 4:00 PM onward as needed. (Last departure from Lake Nojiri is 9:30 PM) Fee: Round-trip 500 yen (adults and junior high school students and older); elementary school students and younger free Please pay when boarding. Temporary Parking Lots 1. For those using the shuttle from Kurohime Station Please use the Town-operated Kurohime Station West Exit Parking Lot. 2. For those using the shuttle from Kurohime Highland Please use the Town-operated Kurohime Highland Parking Lot No. 1. A milestone 100th edition! What kind of fireworks will light the sky? Look forward to the surprise♪

The night at Mt. Takabocchi Highlands — famously known as "Japan's top photo spot" — feels different in a whole new way! Look at this photo!! What an utterly beautiful view You'd be missing out if you don't see it in person! Whether you go with family, friends, or a partner, an unforgettable moment awaits everyone! You just have to go now~

Arch of the Milky Way Shot in Tsumekizaki 2024.07.05 The three images are combined into a panorama.

If you climb the hill in the cicada rain, drenched in sweat, the green carpet Unfolds below. Train in summer colors moves energetically through it. Come on! Train-kun! Shooting location: Ato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture "Funahira Mountain"　

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Mountaineering and Trekking] Karasudake Karasudake sits at the northern tip of the Kuwanouchi district The summit offers a full 360-degree view where you can take in sweeping scenery Each May, the azalea festival is held

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Hiking and Trekking: Kabakidake Rising at the heart of the Kuwanouchi district, the mountain is known locally as Shiroyama, or Castle Mountain, because an ancient mountain fortress called Kabakidake Castle once stood there. It is cherished by the local community. With Mt. Masugata to the east as its backdrop, the mountain offers wide views to the west, south and north. Its shape—easy to defend but hard to attack—has made it famous as the representative mountain of Kuwanouchi.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Mountaineering and Trekking] Mt. Masugata Mt. Masugata in the Kuwanochi area The summit offers a full 360-degree panorama, with views of the Aso mountain range, Kuju mountain range, Mt. Sobo, Mt. Unzen Fugen, and the gorge of the Gokase River all visible at a glance. You can also see a sky full of stars at night, but be aware that the trail to the summit is rugged and there are no streetlights.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Mountaineering and Trekking] Gionyama This mountain is said to be the birthplace of Kyushu, first emerging from the sea as the current Kyushu rose from tectonic movement, and fossils dating back 430 million years have been excavated here. During the mountain opening season, you can enjoy flowers such as the fully blooming akebono azaleas. Some sections require using ropes to advance.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: The starry sky of Gokasecho According to the International Dark-Sky Association, Gokasecho has a Class 2 night sky. You can see many stars with the naked eye throughout the town. They are especially clear on clear winter nights. Some locations can be dangerous at night, so caution is necessary. Gokase Nature School holds occasional "Star Parties" where astronomy enthusiasts from inside and outside the town gather.

Gion’s Great Hinoki in Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture This hinoki was hidden from public view for a long time but came to attention during Gokasecho’s “Search for Local Treasures” in 2000. Its large trunk splits into eight distinctive branches partway up, creating a striking shape. Located inside an old cemetery, it is believed to have been planted as a guardian tree.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Uge Falls There is a legend about Uge Falls. “Long ago, when people hosted celebrations or received guests, they would ask the waterfall pool, ‘Please lend me a bowl,’ and by the next morning a bowl would be floating in the pool. Once, someone returned a bowl with a piece missing, and the gods became angry and stopped lending bowls.” To protect the water of Uge Falls, a water deity is enshrined at the foot of the falls. The site has been cherished by previous generations as an important water source for Ohara Iseki Park and the Mikasa Sakamoto district, and it continues to be carefully preserved.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Shimonohara Terraced Rice Fields The Shimonohara terraced rice fields are among the largest in Gokase, and such an extensive set of rice terraces carved into a mountain valley is rare. The embankments form graceful curves that create a magnificent terraced landscape. In the Uchino-kuchi district of Shimonohara, a siphon—an important irrigation structure—exists in three places, and the first siphon was built in the Taisho era. Although only the bridge piers remain today, a siphon erected near the entrance commemorates the Shimonohara terraces and the great achievements of those who came before.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Torinusu Rice Terrace Torinusu Rice Terrace features rice terraces that spread in two directions, offering a panoramic view over the village to the east and west that is well worth seeing. There is a bust of Togoro Goto, a pioneer who opened three irrigation channels at Josenji Temple, and information indicates that Torinusu Rice Terrace is located nearby. A branch irrigation channel from Torinusu Rice Terrace receives drainage from the mountainside, helping to protect farmland, roads (National Route 503) and other public facilities downstream. The terraces also collect water, contributing to flood prevention.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Hikage Rice Terraces The water for the Hikage rice terraces comes from the spring water of Myoken Shrine in Kuraoka. The spring at Myoken Shrine is so popular that people come from other prefectures to collect it, and it is famous as a local tourist attraction. Behind the Hikage rice terraces stands Gion-yama, said to be the birthplace of Kyushu, creating a scenic harmony with the village and the mountain. The area also hosts events such as Gokase Highland Ski Resort activities, the Gion Shrine Festival, and the Myoken Shrine Grand Festival, and the community is working to revitalize the village by making the most of its landscape.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Shirataki Shirataki is a 60-meter waterfall located at an elevation of 900 meters. As its name suggests, the waterfall’s striking beauty comes from a sheer cliff over which a white sheet of water seems to hang. The contrast with autumn foliage is particularly stunning, drawing many photographers and visitors.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Unoko Falls Unoko Falls features a 20-meter drop and a plunge pool covering 5,000 square meters. Surrounded by dramatic columnar jointing rock formations, the magnificent falls overwhelm any onlooker. A riverside trail from the Mitsukawa Iwagami area brings visitors close enough to feel the waterfall’s power, and a viewpoint on the opposite bank offers a full view of the falls and plunge pool, revealing different moods through the seasons.

Superb view seen in Hokkaido The sun was shining on the Kaminoko Pond, and a beam of light was formed. The light was reflected in the pond and it was a fantastic scenery.

Hello, this is Crystal Sound. The rainy season brings damp, oppressive days. How are you spending your time? Shosenkyo Gorge is full of nature and is especially famous as a power spot. Why not soak up lots of energy and recharge for summer? The birthstone for July is the ruby. Alongside diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds, the ruby—beautiful and glowing red—has been loved by people since ancient times. At Crystal Sound, we also exhibit amethyst, prized for its noble purple, and gemstones from around the world. Why not visit Shosenkyo Gorge to meet many beautiful stones? All our staff look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

Shiraito Falls Camera / #canon EOS Kiss #X9i Lens / EF-S18-55mm F4-5.6 IS STM A waterfall that I found when I went touring with a friend and went to Jozankei There were no customers, and it was great to feel a little secluded because it was a little far from the Jozankei inn town.

The 42nd Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture "Mikuni Fireworks Festival" 🎆 The Mikuni fireworks festival, which has become a summer tradition in Hokuriku, will be Held in again this 🙌🏻✨ year Tickets for the paid bleachers are currently on sale 📢 Enjoy ☺🎆 the largest underwater fireworks in Hokuriku, up to 2 shaku fireworks, and a total of about 15,000 fireworks For details, please visit the official Account ▶ @mikunihanabi Instagram Or check out the website! ❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁ Held in Date: Sunday, August 11, 2024 Held in place: Mikuni Mr./Ms. Set Beach Sakai City Mikuni Town inn, Rice Waki, Kuzuryu Boat Park Sakai City Mikuni Town Shinbo Launch time: 19:30~20:30 *In case of stormy weather, it will be postponed to the 12th and 13th. ❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁

The Milky Way seen on Ishigaki Island The air was clear, so I could see the Milky Way clearly with the naked eye. Even though it was not so far from the city, the sky was full of stars.

The Silence of Early Summer Nagano Prefecture Yachiho Highlands Yachiho Lake Along the pass of the fairy tale highway from Sakuho Towns to Tateshina, There is one of the largest birch growing area in the Japan, and this pond There are a little below it. I came here on a holiday, but it was a quiet space with only a few Mr./Ms. fishermen coming This view! I've had ♪ a blissful time The wind was almost windless, so I was very satisfied to take a picture of the reflection of the majestic Highlands ♪ Shinshu in summer is full of ♪ charm

【Kiso Town, Otaki Village】Mt. Kiso Ontake has opened! On Monday, July 1, the opening ceremony of Mt. Kiso Ontake was held at the Ontake Ropeway in Mitake, Kiso Town, in the 6th year of Reiwa 2024 Reiwa 6. Although it was raining heavily on the day, Local officials gathered at the Ropeway Center House to pray for the safety of the mountain this season. As a result, the entry restrictions around Kengamine have been relaxed, and it is now possible to climb the summit until 10/16 Wednesday. * Regarding Otaki Exit, the Mountain trail from Tanohara Haruka Worship Hall will be deregulated from 7/10 Wednesday. This year marks 10 years since the 2014 Eruption disaster. Let's not forget the disaster, keep in mind that Mt. Ontake is an active volcano, and climb safely and happily. Don't forget to report your climbing. ♦ For more information about Kurosawaguchi, please visit the official website of Kiso town ♦ For more information about Otaki Exit, please visit the official website of Otaki village. Please check.

Memories of Shirakawa-go Shirakawa-go in early summer taken when I was still able to drive to the Observation decks Currently, you have to take a shuttle bus or walk to this observation decks. At night, the parking lot of the village is closed, so it is a scenery that can no longer be photographed. The four photos are combined with the comparative names.

30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island. Phantom Island Hamashima It is called "Phantom Island" because it becomes so small that it cannot be seen at high tide when the tide is high and appears at low tide when the tide is low. Until a few years ago, it was literally named "Phantom Island" because it completely disappeared at low tide, but now it appears even at high tide due to typhoons and daily waves and winds. The phantom island is a mysterious uninhabited island with Mr./Ms. fragments and pure white smooth sand, and the surrounding waters Unfold with breathtaking clarity throughout the year. The contrast between the color of the clear sea and the white sand beach is truly spectacular! Book the earliest boat in the morning and go ashore It was before the typhoon, but we were able to land safely.

Nice to meet you! We are Fukui Prefecture DMO Sakai Tourism Bureau. Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture is a charming area where rich nature, beautiful landscapes, and history and culture intersect. Sakai City lies in northern Fukui Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. In our Cool Japan video, we will introduce Sakai City’s recommended sightseeing spots, local specialties, and historical background in detail. We appreciate your interest! ■■■ Access Rail and car travel provide convenient access to Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen has improved access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. From JR Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Main Line, buses run to various locations around the city, making it easy to reach sightseeing spots. You can also drive via the Hokuriku Expressway, using Kanazu I.C. or Maruoka I.C. ■■■ Nature and Scenery Sakai City offers many beautiful natural landscapes. The most famous is Tojinbo. Tojinbo is a series of sheer cliffs jutting into the Sea of Japan; formed over more than 10,000 years, its dramatic scenery overwhelms visitors. Nearby is Mikuni Port, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. ■■■ History and Culture Sakai City is also rich in history and culture. During the Edo period, Mikuni prospered as a port for Kitamae-bune trading ships. The historic townscape of Mikuni Minato remains preserved today, and a stroll there evokes the atmosphere of the Edo era. The Mikuni Festival, held every May, features ornate floats parading through the streets and draws many visitors. ■■■ Local Specialties and Gourmet Food Sakai City offers many delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Especially famous is Echizen crab. In winter, visitors flock to savor freshly caught Echizen crab. Also exceptional are Mikuni Port’s sweet shrimp, Fukui-grown Koshihikari rice, Wakasa beef, and Echizen soba, allowing you to fully enjoy local flavors. ■■■ Sightseeing Spots Sakai City has plenty of attractions beyond its history and nature. Below are popular sights in Sakai City with their highlights. ■ Tojinbo Tojinbo, one of Fukui Prefecture’s premier attractions, has served as the filming location for many dramas. Facing the Sea of Japan, the cliffs rise more than 20 meters high and extend roughly one kilometer, presenting overwhelming natural beauty. Such extensive columnar jointing is rare worldwide and is listed among the world’s three great columnar formations. The sight of cliffs over 20 meters tall in succession is worth seeing. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise—the cliffs glowing in the sunset are unforgettable. ■ Mikuni Minato This historic port town prospered in the Edo period as a Kitamae-bune port. The nostalgic old streets remain, offering a pleasant historical stroll. Notable sights include the former Kishina family residence, the former Morita Bank head office, and Mikuni Shrine. You can also taste fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and Mikuni’s spicy soba topped with grated karami daikon (hot radish). ■ Maruoka Castle Also called Kasumi-ga-jo, Maruoka Castle is famous for having one of Japan’s oldest surviving main keeps. Built in 1576, it still stands today and is designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and a National Important Cultural Property. In spring, cherry trees around the castle bloom beautifully, and the site is selected among Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots for hanami. ■ Shibamasa World A large family-oriented amusement park spanning 560,000 square meters. It features one of the country’s largest dinosaur attractions and an indoor play area called Kids Paradise, making it a theme park you can enjoy all day. In summer, it operates one of Japan’s largest resort pools and offers limited-time night pools. Golf, barbecue, and other year-round activities are also available. ■ Echizen Matsushima Aquarium This aquarium facing the Sea of Japan is popular for its dolphin and sea lion shows. It offers hands-on feeding experiences and overnight aquarium stays among many activities. With exhibits of various marine life, it entertains both children and adults. ■■■ Summary of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, blends natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious local specialties into a compelling destination. We will continue sharing more information about its many attractions, and we hope you will visit Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture!