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)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs — Blessings of 400 Million Years These tomatoes and their processed products are harvested carefully one by one at the perfect moment of full ripeness on the vine, and can be collected only for four months each year, roughly from July through November. • Blessings of 400 Million Years “Red Jewel” Tomato Sauce This sauce is made from fully vine-ripened Italian tomatoes grown with care on our own farm and sun-soaked, simmered slowly for two days without adding water. You can enjoy a fresh flavor that feels like eating the tomato itself. *No chemical seasonings, colorings, or preservatives are used.* • Blessings of 400 Million Years “Black Jewel” Game Sauce We slowly simmer lean domestic wild boar meat—healthy and high in protein—with plenty of locally grown vegetables and fully vine-ripened Italian tomatoes in abundant Gokase wine and local red wine for two days. Just toss with boiled pasta for an exquisite Bolognese. It’s a dish the whole family, including children, can enjoy. *No chemical seasonings, colorings, or preservatives are used.* • Beloved Tomatini Beloved Tomatini is a convenient take-home tomato sauce. Made without any additives to preserve the tomato’s flavor, it is prepared slowly and carefully over time. The cute packaging also makes it a perfect souvenir. Available for purchase at CORASITA or through CORASITA’s online store.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Product & Souvenir: Ginger Syrup This organic ginger syrup uses plenty of fresh ginger and features the spice’s natural fresh aroma and sharp taste. Diluted with soda it becomes ginger ale, and adding vodka turns it into a Moscow Mule. It pairs well with shochu, red wine, beer, milk, tea, and many other drinks, so the possibilities for mixing are endless. You can buy it at Bar ELCAMPO and the Gokase Specialty Center.

Miyabe’s Special Horumon and Salted Horumon from Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture Miyabe Butcher Shop, the town’s only meat shop, marinates pork skirt and shoulder roast in its homemade sauce to make the special horumon called “Tokuhoru.” This dish once won the grand prize at the Local Gourmet Contest held in Miyazaki City. It’s great grilled over charcoal, on an iron griddle, or stir-fried with various vegetables since it’s already seasoned. They also offer a salted horumon called “Shiohoru,” in which the offal is slowly soaked in their homemade salt blend, Kuroshio Jiro. You can grill it as is, or add it with vegetables to a clear broth made from dashi base for a light, refreshing motsunabe (offal hotpot).

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty and Souvenir: Four Hundred Million Years of Earth Gion Spring Water Rice <Taste> Each grain is firm and flavorful yet refreshingly light. It pairs well with any side dish and stays delicious even when cold, making it ideal for rice balls and boxed lunches. <Cultivation Commitment> This rice is grown on terraced paddies irrigated only with the mineral-rich spring water known as Myoken Shinsui, one of the Heisei-era Top 100 Famous Waters. <Regional Characteristics> Located along the Kyushu Backbone Mountain Range at elevations of 600–650 meters, the area’s large temperature swings concentrate the rice’s flavor. The region is also known for heavy snowfall in winter. <Variety> Hinohikari (rated Special A)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Specialties and Souvenirs: Versatile Seasoning and Yuzu Kosho ◎Versatile Seasoning The ingredients are plenty of garlic, chili peppers, ginger, and bonito stock only. A producer from Korea packed this secret family seasoning recipe full of home-style flavor. Use it as a hidden flavor in dishes, mix it with soy sauce for a dressing, or blend it with mayonnaise for a vegetable dip. Just adding it makes peperoncino ready in no time! ◎Yuzu Kosho This yuzu kosho brings out the natural flavors of yuzu, bonito stock, soy sauce, salt, and chili peppers only. The green variety has a fragrant aroma, while the red one is spicier. Be sure to find the taste you prefer.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Specialty and Souvenir: Takana Nikuman Takana nikuman is a local gourmet treat sold only during the winter season. Its main fillings are takana (pickled mustard greens), bamboo shoots harvested in Gokasecho, and minced pork. The ingredients are stir-fried with sesame oil, sugar, and soy sauce to bring out their deep natural flavors and aromas. A spicy homemade mustard is also included, recommended for adding a flavorful kick. Loved both within and beyond the town, this is a must-try delicacy. Enjoy!

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho specialty souvenir: Hanameguri (yokan and yuzu yokan) Hanameguri is a handmade yokan made from Gokase-grown azuki beans that are slowly simmered over time and carefully kneaded by hand for many hours. You can taste the full flavor of the azuki beans, and the exquisite balance of sweetness and saltiness reveals a profound flavor that opens your eyes the moment you bite into it. Enjoy a peaceful moment with this Gokasecho specialty paired with the rare kama-iri tea, a local prized tea.

Specialties and Souvenirs of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Gokase Yamame Gokase Yamame are fish raised in the yamame village at the source of the Gokase River, skewered and charcoal-grilled until golden and seasoned to perfection. Varieties include lightly sweet-and-salty simmered yamame (yamame kanroni), ginger-flavored simmered yamame (yamame shiguren), yamame slowly stewed with sansho pepper (yamame sanshoni), and yamame gently simmered wrapped in kombu seaweed so the fish broth soaks into the kelp (yamame kombu-maki). The bones are soft, making them safe and easy to eat for children and older adults.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho local product and souvenir: Babba Club’s karinto Karinto made by the Kawanochi district processing group Babba Club These additive-free snacks focus on safety and peace of mind. They also make Adam cookies and longevity senbei. Handmade pickles are also popular.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty and Souvenir: Log-grown shiitake mushrooms These "log-grown shiitake" thrive in clear air, fertile soil, and mineral-rich water They are a local specialty prized for their rich aroma and texture They also make a recommended gift for someone special.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs: Gokase Wine Nestled in rich nature atop a hill at 660 meters stands Gokase Winery. A climate with large temperature swings and pure water nurtures grapes with an exquisite balance of sugar and acidity. “We wanted to make wine using 100% locally grown grapes.” With that wish, the winery opened in 2005. Wines made from freshly harvested grapes have a juicy, fruity character. Please enjoy wines made from 100% Gokase-grown grapes, filled with the scent of the earth. Wine Introductions ■ Niagara (white, sweet — most popular) Grape variety: Niagara This white wine made from the table grape Niagara has a beautiful golden color. Aroma reminiscent of osmanthus with added fresh notes makes for a pleasantly refreshing sweet wine. ■ Delaware (white, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Delaware The pale yellow hue of Delaware is easy on the eyes in this white wine. Its citrus-like aroma and fresh acidity pair well with a wide range of meat dishes. ■ Chardonnay (white, medium dry) Grape variety: Chardonnay Chardonnay shows a lovely pale yellow-green that evokes Gokase’s spring buds. Its lively acidity is refreshing and leaves a clean finish. This crisp, slightly dry style pairs well with fish-based Japanese cuisine. ■ Campbell Early (rosé, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Campbell Early This slightly sweet rosé locks in the grape’s fresh fragrance and natural sweetness. Its vivid color is as striking as a sunset pouring over Kuwanochi. ■ Yuhi (red, dry) Grape varieties: Merlot, Petit Verdot Merlot and Petit Verdot were aged carefully in barrels for one year. This light-bodied red balances gentle acidity and tannin for easy drinking. ■ Juju (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Niagara Keeping Niagara’s characteristic aroma, this sparkling version transforms it into a crisp Niagara. It has a refreshing mouthfeel. ■ Oubu (sparkling, rosé) Grape variety: Campbell Early A sparkling wine made from the table grape Campbell Early. Enjoy its mature, developed flavor. ■ Ryoka (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Chardonnay A sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, featuring youthful, fresh fruit aromas and moderate acidity. It is dry and sharp in taste and pairs excellently with fish dishes. ■ Akane (red, dry) This is a half bottle (360 ml). Named Akane to evoke the beautiful autumn sunset skies visible from Gokase Winery. A Merlot-dominant red. Akane, finished dry, rested in stainless tanks for a light taste. It features gentle tannins and clean acidity. Other options include half (360 ml) bottles of Niagara, Rosé, and Chardonnay.

[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.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Hinatamichi Hinatamichi is an izakaya in the Kuraoka area This izakaya, where you can also sing karaoke, fills up with locals In summer, guests can enjoy a beer garden as well Because the restaurant has irregular holidays, it’s best to call ahead before visiting Hours: Contact for details Closed: Irregular holidays Contact 3263 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2360

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Yakitori Masa-chan When night falls in Gokasecho, this is the place to be: Yakitori Masa-chan With a wide variety of yakitori and a cold beer, you might just feel like a true Gokase local!? Besides yakitori, they offer a selection of proud signature dishes! Hours: From 17:00 Closed: Sundays Contact 10650-5, Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1541

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet] Takara Shop A snack bar you can also use for after-parties. It's a good idea to call ahead before visiting. [Hours] 7:00 PM–1:00 AM [Closed] Irregular holidays [Contact] 10650-1, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1539

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Akaneya Sabou Akaneya Sabou sits on a hilltop It opened in 2021 as a cafe with views of Mt. Aso. Their hamburgers are perfect for lunch, and the monthly limited lunch menu is also popular. This is the only restaurant in Gokasecho where you can dine with your dog. Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Wednesdays Contact 67 Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1107

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Rest House Shima Rest House & Guesthouse Shima sits along National Route 265 by the Gokase River Here you can enjoy dishes like seafood champon and a Takachiho beef set meal The champon in particular is loaded with toppings and very filling! Feel free to stop by just for a meal Hours: Irregular holidays Contact 4871-1 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2837

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: IL gardino della corasita IL gardino della corasita is a garden café–style restaurant run by the auberge corasita, a stay-in restaurant operated by a tomato farm. (IL gardino della corasita means "corasita's garden" in Italian.) Dinner service is available only on nights when no overnight guests are staying. The restaurant is also available for lunch, celebrations, banquets, and trainings. Hours of operation By reservation only Lunch 11:30–13:30 (last order 13:00) Dinner 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00) Closed: irregular holidays Please note that if someone is staying on your desired date, dinner cannot be served. Outdoor garden seating depends on the season and weather; please inquire when making your reservation.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet] CORASITA (Corashita) Corasita is a reservation-only restaurant where owner Hiromi Fujiki, a certified Italian cuisine researcher, serves traditional Italian home cooking, especially from Tuscany, using proudly homegrown tomatoes from her own farm. Dinner is available only on nights when no overnight guests are staying. The restaurant is also available for lunch, celebrations, banquets, and training events. [Hours] Reservation only Lunch 11:30–13:30 (last order 13:00) Dinner 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00) [Closed] Irregular holidays *Please note that dinner cannot be served if there are guests staying on your desired date. [Contact] Phone: 0982-83-2017

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Kurunkonne Kurunkonne, a café in Gokasecho where you can read manga This place also serves as a relaxing spot where you can refresh yourself. They hold monthly events, so why not treat yourself? The owner’s proud takoyaki and takakibi veg hot sandwiches are highlights, and the café offers a full range of drinks and desserts. Hours: 11:00–17:00 (hours may change) Closed: See the business calendar Contact 9719-1 Sangkasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-0308

【🌻 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 ⚠️

July 15 (Mon) Gion Shrine Summer Festival⛩️✨ On Monday, July 15, the Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka area held its summer annual festival, affectionately known as “Gion-san.”🎉 The day opened with the Morimaki ritual, followed by a ceremony, kagura performances, the sacred procession, and dance presentations—there was so much to enjoy.😊🎶 Although the weather brought rain at first, true to the spirit of “Gion-san,” a break in the clouds appeared by the time the sacred procession ended.☀️ Despite the rain, people from the neighborhood, across the prefecture and beyond, and even from overseas, came out early in the morning to enjoy the festival.🌍✨ It’s wonderful to see a community festival cherished by locals becoming known to and enjoyed by so many people.😌👏 We hope this tradition will continue to be passed on carefully into the future.

Star Party on Saturday, July 6th 🌠 On the night of Saturday, July 6th, just before Tanabata, I visited an irregular Star Party hosted by Gokase Nature School🔭✨ This time, star lovers gathered at Gokase Winery to enjoy the night sky🌟 The clouds were few that night and the weather was excellent, so we could see a sky full of stars🥹👏 The sky over Gokase shows a truly beautiful scene from sunset to starlight😌💕I want to preserve this charm forever and share it with many people💪✨

🌸 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 🥰

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Bar EL CAMPO (Bar Eru Kanpo) A hidden retreat in the forest: Bar EL CAMPO You can unwind in a log-house venue surrounded by mountains and enjoy a slow pace of time. The owner’s carefully crafted cocktails and the wide selection of whiskies are a highlight. Try the unique “El Campo Burger,” made with deer meat and available only here. Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 3:00 PM–12:00 AM Note: Monday–Thursday are by reservation only. Please consult us by the day before. Contact: 872-1 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 080-9799-0094

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Enoha no Ie Enoha no Ie sits right beside the clear stream where yamame trout thrive. Here you can enjoy yamame dishes made from Gokase’s pure water. Alongside grilled salt-roasted yamame and sweet-simmered yamame, you can also taste yamame sashimi, which requires the freshest fish. A yamame fishing pond nearby lets you try yamame fishing casually. Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Open daily Contact: 4615 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2321

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Shoku no Sato Gogo At lunch, enjoy hearty, filling meals; in the evening, the restaurant fills with locals at Shoku no Sato Gogo. You can dine while looking out over the upstream of the Mikasho River. The house specialties are charcoal-grilled local chicken and kama-age udon. Hours: Lunch 11:00–13:30 (last order 13:15) / Dinner 17:30–21:30 (last order 21:00) Closed: Monday Contact: 1287-3 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-0635 (Reservations are recommended for dinner)