From Wednesday, March 5 to Monday, March 24, the 22nd Spring Hokkaido Products and Tourism Fair will take place at Tenmaya Okayama Main Store as part of Tenmaya Department Store’s 100th anniversary celebration. Jagachokotto makes its first appearance! It also makes a great White Day gift. Tenmaya Okayama Main Store Address: 2-1-1 Omotecho, Kita Ward, Okayama City TEL: (086) 231-7111

📢The 9th of March! Astro Arm! DASH！！ Izumi City ✨ 📃 Project name: DASH Local PR Division ~Kumamoto-Kagoshima Hisatsu Orenji Railway~ 📺 Broadcast date and time: Sunday, March 9, 2025 (Reiwa 7) from 7 p.m. In order to liven up the local railway, we will use the specialties collected in each place to create the program's Original Ekiben. This time, the Hisatsu Orenji Railway will be the stage, and while touring between Yatsushiro Station ~ Satsumagawanai Station, we will introduce the specialties of each region and the charm of Sightseeing spots. What kind of charm of Izumi City will it broadcasting!? What kind of specialties do you get? And what kind of Ekiben will be created, which is full of charm along the Orenji Railway!? If you are interested, please watch the 😊 program

Hello! This is Koshu local cuisine Waraji. The weather has been mild these past few days, and you can already sense hints of spring at Shosenkyo Gorge. Still, the forecast still shows some snow days, and temperatures vary widely, so please go out dressed warmly. After strolling through the richly natural Shosenkyo Gorge, why not take a relaxing break with our specialty, the tororo soba set meal? Enjoy a blissful moment as smooth soba noodles meet richly flavored grated yam. With crispy tempura and small side dishes included, your body and spirit are sure to be satisfied. We look forward to your visit.

Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 3/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest preserves a classic format by judging printed works. As a special juror, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Sky, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—between November 1 and December 25, 2024. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five winning entries. Congratulations! 🎊 Next up is 4/5—stay tuned 📸♪ ✴︎Winning Entries✴︎ “Love at First Sight” Yasunori Kobayashi “Dawn” Naoya Andachi “Lake Kussharo in Winter” Miki Furusawa “River at Dawn” Kejiro Suzuki “Ehehe” Rie Ishida

【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 At present, Kawayu Visitor Center is hosting "Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder." An artist talk will take place on March 1, and applications are now being accepted. Please take this rare opportunity to join us ⛰️❄️ Outdoor lovers and photography fans will be treated to Junki Yarinome’s wonderful stories♪ 【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kawayu Nature Salon Vol.3 "Artist Talk" Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center lecture room Time: Doors open 13:00 Talk 13:30–15:00 Admission: Free Capacity: 15 people (advance registration required, junior high school students and older, first-come, first-served) ...Junki Yarinome (Yarinome Junki)... Born in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Born in 1992. He completed graduate studies at Hokkaido Bunkyo University Graduate School. After graduating, he moved to Teshikagacho in 2017, began working as an outdoor guide (canoeing, trekking), and made regular trips to snowy mountains his life’s work. Since 2021 he has worked independently as Outdoorguide YARINOME, combining guiding and photography work. He is also active as a rider for MOSIRITA Snowboard.

A cold snap hits the Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival! The plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but a spectacular bloom of snow flowers has appeared ❄️ Photo: Yasuki Okamoto

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival is now underway! At Romantopia Tsukigase, Yumekko Cafeteria is open♪ At Romantopia Tsukigase, enjoy the proud "irori set" cooked over a sunken hearth: you grill Tsukigase-grown log shiitake mushrooms, homemade konnyaku, and yomogi rice dumplings over charcoal yourself! Cover them generously with our special yuzu miso and enjoy♪ We also recommend our udon dishes, made with carefully prepared dashi broth!! The meat udon features Iga beef plus shiitake, spinach, and thinly sliced mochi for a luxurious bowl! We carry many souvenirs not only from Tsukigase but from neighboring areas as well! A cold snap has arrived, so the plum blossoms still haven't opened much yet... For now, food beats flowers♪ When the blossoms are at their peak, every teahouse gets extremely crowded! Come now for the food while you can♪

This is a guide to the Events of Held in on Saturday, March 1st! ・9:00~15:00 "Cool Town Festival" At the Nishina Fishing Port "Hanbata Market", which is located 3 minutes by car from Dogashima, free distribution of ara soup using local fish and Yosakoi performances will be held! In addition, Stalls such as "Forest Cafe Little Heart", which has the same Traditional Japanese straw raincoat for delicious coffee, are scheduled to ☕️ open ・18:00~ "Dogashima Sunset Illumination Lighting ceremony" One of the largest illuminations in the Nishi-Izu area begins! Countdown with all the visitors! Sweets and novelty gifts are also available, so please ☺️ come to the venue, Dogashima Park

Akindo City♪ Today (the 21st) and tomorrow (the 22nd) for two days Roadside Station Iwanai marks the Hina Festival with a special offer Beniko plush normally ¥2,100 is now ¥1,800! Beniko pudding (Fujita Confectionery Shop) Normally ¥200, now ¥180!! This pudding was recently enjoyed by Ichiyamamoto Seki on HBC’s Taku⭐︎Aki Bura Research We look forward to seeing you 😊

Kawayu Onsen Oyster Fair! An oyster fair featuring Akkeshi oysters will take place in Kawayu Onsen at Kawayu Kanko Hotel and O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, running for about one month from March 1. This is your chance to taste oysters shipped directly from the Akkeshi Fisheries Cooperative’s farm shop, a region renowned for its oysters. Enjoy their rich sweetness and plump, springy texture. During the fair, guests at Kawayu Kanko Hotel and O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura will receive one original dish using oysters sent directly from the Akkeshi Fisheries Cooperative’s shop in addition to the regular dinner menu. Come and eat the delicious Akkeshi oysters (Tabete), soak in the strongly acidic hot springs (Tsukatte), and revive both body and spirit (Fukkatsu)! We look forward to your reservations!! Tabete Fukkatsu 2025! Akkeshi Oyster Fair in Kawayu Onsen ■ Period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Monday, March 31, 2025 * Please note that fair periods vary by facility. ■ Participating facilities: ・Kawayu Kanko Hotel (fair runs through March 31) ・O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura (fair runs through March 29) ■ Reservations: Please contact each facility via their official website or by phone. (At Bettei Suikazura, oysters will be offered as part of the buffet plan.)

Hawk crab 🦀 × Strawberry 🍓 × Diving 🤿 📍 Ida, Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka It's that time of year again! ✨ Annual event, Winter Accommodation Tour in Ida! Of course, you can enjoy diving in the sparkling sea with a transparency of 20 meters, but speaking of the Fun of after-dive... Gourmet! 😋 Suruga Bay, which stretches out on the west side of the Izu Peninsula, is the deepest bay in Japan. Surrounded by green mountains and quiet coves, Ida is a lovely and laid-back place with 🌿✨ rape fields in full bloom in early Spring And! Speaking of Suruga Bay... 🦀 One of the world's largest crabs! Precious crabs that can only be eaten here are luxuriously served at the inn that takes care of them every year! 🤩 Takaashi crab that appears in a surprising volume, heaping sashimi, Cooked fish... Anyway, I can't eat it all! If you eat it with crab miso that seems to overflow, it's already too good ... 🤤✨ And the next day... Strawberry picking 🍓✨! In Izu, you can enjoy 😍 not only seafood, but also sweet and juicy strawberries Eat freshly picked ripe strawberries to your heart's content and be very satisfied with the tour until the end! This year, everyone will eat, drink, dive, laugh, "I can't stop diving because of this!" is a big Gari! 😁🎶 For Hokule'a Shonan tours, please 👍 leave not only diving but also sightseeing and gourmet food A special tour where you can spend a luxurious time while enjoying the seasonal flavors unique to winter. ✨ We will ✨💡 provide you with the best day ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ 
⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Would you like to try some craft beer? 🍺 From IWANAI BREWERY & HOTEL their craft beer “Malty” has a best-before date of March 20, so it’s available at a lower price than usual. 🙏 Why not take this chance to try some craft beer? 🍺 It’s on sale at the Roadside Station shop. 🙏🙏 Thank you!

Tomorrow! Mashu⭐︎Snowland 2025 Last year's Mashu⭐︎Snowland closed amid great success, and now it returns this winter with even more to offer. Enjoy a very long snow slide, winter barbecue in the cold, a fun lottery, and many more attractions. The timetable is now available, so gather your friends and join us! Mashu⭐︎Snowland 2025 Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00–20:00 Venue: Teshikagacho, Yunoshima Park Attractions: a very long snow slide, candy toss, Snowball Fight Japan Championship, winter barbecue, fireworks display, fun lottery * Admission is free and open to everyone. * Buy a barbecue ticket with a lottery ticket to enjoy the winter barbecue inside the venue and take part in the fun lottery! Barbecue Ticket with Lottery Ticket Advance winter barbecue ticket: 1,500 yen; same-day ticket: 2,000 yen * Both advance and same-day tickets allow participation in the fun lottery. Main ticket outlets: Shokudo to Kissa poppotei / Third place Livingbar221 Sumiya Ishihanaki Kinko / Mashu izakaya Mokkiriya Inquiries: Mashu⭐︎Snowland Executive Committee (090-5951-9471 Nishizaki) Supported by: Teshikagacho Chamber of Commerce Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative Association, Mashu Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)

“Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen” Is Back This Year!! On Sunday, February 23, the Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen will take place in front of the Kawayu Visitor Center. Enjoy free activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and warming up by the bonfire, along with talk sessions and delicious food—there’s plenty to experience! This is an event for both adults and children, so please come with family and friends. Event Overview: Mori no Snow Park 2025 in Kawayu Onsen Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 10:00–21:00 Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center and surrounding area (2-2-6 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga) Admission: Free (all programs are free to join) *Food and drinks are available for purchase separately. At Snow Park 2025, following last year’s popular sessions, local town guides will again host a talk session! Three guides who have lived here for more than 20 years will share their perspectives on Teshikaga’s nature and their daily impressions. Talk Session Details ■ Date and Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 19:00–20:30 ■ Location: Kawayu Visitor Center, 2nd floor ■ Speakers: Shigetoshi Tsuchiya (River & Field), Yuya Tsuchida (Somokuya), Masumi Hashida (Nanuk) ■ Moderator: Jin Fujiwara (Teshikaga Ekomachi Promotion Council / River & Field) *Admission free Contact: Teshikaga Ekomachi Promotion Council (Secretariat) Within Teshikaga Town Hall, Tourism and Commerce Division 015-482-2940 (Direct line to Tourism and Commerce Division / Weekdays: 9:00–17:00) Day-of-event contact: 090-2075-9764 (Person in charge: Fujiwara)

Notice Regarding the End of Distribution for the “Tokutoku Coupon 2025” Usable at Kawayu Onsen To all guests staying at Kawayu Onsen, the “Tokutoku Coupon 2025” that we had been distributing has reached its planned quantity and distribution has ended. Thank you very much to everyone who used the coupons.

Why don't you stop by when you come to Squid Sawara?

Introducing the stay-and-sightseeing facility Mount Io MOKMOK Base, which opened in September 2023. The complex features MOKMOK Terrace, a refined space that blends rock walls reminiscent of Mount Io’s geology with warm, natural wood; MOKMOK Theater, where you can enjoy the mountain’s dramatic steam through large glass panes like a theater screen; Mount Io Museum, which explores the mountain’s past and present; and MOKMOK Marche & Café, offering local foods and souvenirs — among many other attractions. Please come and visit us!!

Teshikagacho presents a calm sky, a stark contrast to yesterday. As far as the eye can see, the pure white landscape is beautiful. It’s perfect weather for sightseeing, so come and visit us ☺️⛄️❄️

ICE LAFORET IN KAWAYU, the extreme cold resort A special two-day event, Lantern Balloon Night, holds its second edition tomorrow! A fantastical lantern balloon event lights up the night sky. The special two-day event Lantern Balloon Night, held for a limited time, is scheduled to hold its second session tomorrow, February 1. Those who wish to join should pick up a participation ticket at the on-site general information desk on the day or at inns affiliated with the Ryokan Association (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, KKR Kawayu), and gather at Kawayu Shrine by 5:00 PM. Registration closes once capacity is reached. If you prefer to reserve in advance, please contact the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. (015-483-2211, inside Oyado Kinkiyu) Please note the event may be canceled on the day due to weather, such as strong winds. The moment the lanterns rise fills the entire venue with a scene that seems touched by magic. For details, check the notices on Teshikaga Navi. Don’t miss this special night!

Mashu⭐︎ Snowland 2025 Returns This Year After closing to great acclaim last year, Mashu⭐︎ Snowland is back this winter with even more to enjoy. Expect a very long snowy slide, midwinter barbecue, a fun raffle, and many other activities. Bring your friends and family and join us! Mashu⭐︎ Snowland 2025 Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00–20:00 Venue: Yunoshi­ma Park, Teshikaga Highlights: a very long snowy slide, candy toss, Snowball Fight Japan Championship, midwinter barbecue, fireworks display, and a fun raffle * Admission is free and open to everyone. * Purchase a barbecue ticket with a raffle coupon to enjoy midwinter barbecue at the venue and enter the fun raffle! Barbecue Ticket with Raffle Coupon Presale midwinter barbecue ticket: 1,500 yen; same-day ticket: 2,000 yen * Both presale and same-day tickets include entry to the fun raffle. Main Ticket Outlets: Shokudo to Kissa poppotei / Third place Livingbar221 Sumika Ishibana Kikin / Mashu Izakaya Mokkiriya Inquiries: Mashu⭐︎ Snowland Executive Committee (090-5951-9471 Nishizaki) Supported by: Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mashu Lake Agricultural Cooperative Association and Mashu Lake Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)

The Mashu and Kussharo sightseeing loop buses convenient for Teshikaga tourism, the "Teshikaga Eco Passport," will operate this winter 2025 on the following schedule. You can enjoy Teshikaga’s spectacular scenery with peace of mind even in winter. Please make use of this service 🌱🚌 [Operation and Sales Period] January 25, 2025 (Saturday) – March 2, 2025 (Sunday) [Routes] ● Mashu Lake Bus ※Scheduled to run three times a day JR mashu station ⇔ Roadside Station ⇔ Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace ⇔ ⇔ Lake Mashu First Observatory ● Kussharo Bus ※Scheduled to run twice a day JR Kawayu Onsen Station ⇔ Mount Io ⇔ Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ⇔ ⇔ Nibushi ⇔ Sunayu (sandy hot spring) ⇔ Kotan ⇔ Maruyama ⇔ Toondō ⇔ ⇔ Roadside Station ⇔ JR mashu station [Sales Locations] Onboard limited-time bus sales, Oyado Kinkiyu, Bettei Suikazura, Hotel Parkway, HOSTEL MISATO, Youth Guesthouse Kussharo Plain, Mashu Station Tourist Information (8:30–16:00 / open daily during the period) [Fares] Adult 2-day pass: ¥2,000; 3-day pass: ¥3,000 Child 2-day and 3-day passes: ¥1,000 [Inquiries] Mashu Lake Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) TEL: 015-482-2200 9:00–17:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) For details, check the Teshikaga Navi official site from the profile URL!! 🚌❄️♨️

“Bar Hopping De Stamp Rally” — Drink, Eat and Enjoy in Teshikaga Town Center! Tour the restaurants and bars in Teshikaga Town Center and collect stamps as you hop from place to place. Gather stamps for a chance to win fun prizes worth over 10,000 yen, a pair accommodation voucher, meal tickets and more! Even in the cold winter, drink! Eat! Enjoy! Spend hot nights out with us. Period December 23, 2024 (Monday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday) How to Enter 1. Check the participating establishments listed below 2. Receive one stamp for dining or drinking at each participating venue 3. When you have stamps from three different establishments, fill in the required information on the stamp card and drop it in the dedicated entry box at the Chamber of Commerce or at a participating venue where an entry box is provided. You may join the stamp rally and submit entries as many times as you like during the event period, but please note that duplicate wins for the same prize are not allowed. Participating Venues – Dining spots (blue stamp) – Toriyaki Manbo / Ramen Ibuki / Mashu Izakaya Mokkiriya / Higashi Sushi / food&bar DOMANI / Izakaya Denden / Sumika Ishikabukin / Izakaya Nawanoren / Teppan Izakaya Koguma / Ezo / Charcoal Grill Beko no Suke / ubusuna / Shokuno Tomo Ichimi / Ramen Curry Yoshimatsu – Snacks & Bars (red stamp) – Snack Amour / COCKTAIL&DRINK SOLO / Japanese Style Snack Karakatsu / Livingbar 221 / Drink House Tsukasa / FLOR / JAZZHOUSE KINGKONG / Stylish BAR WoodLand / Snack Kado Entry Card Locations Entry cards are available at participating venues or at the Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Entry Box Locations Japanese Style Snack Karakatsu / COCKTAIL&DRINK SOLO / food&bar DOMANI / Livingbar 221 / Toriyaki Manbo / Izakaya Denden / Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry Main Prizes Orange Prize: Collect three mixed red and blue stamps to win a fun prize worth over 10,000 yen Red Prize: Collect three red stamps from snacks & bars to win 10,000 yen each for 20 winners Blue Prize: Collect three blue stamps from dining spots to win 10,000 yen each for 20 winners We also offer pair accommodation vouchers and meal tickets!! Entry Deadline March 1, 2025 (Saturday) Winners Announcement Winners will be notified by shipment of prizes starting in mid-March 2025, which will serve as the official announcement. Organizer: Bar Hopping De Stamp Rally Executive Committee Supported by: Mashu Lake Tourism Association; Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The poster for the 2025 Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival is complete!! Each year, we select the gold‑prize photograph from the photo contest held during the festival period for the poster image. We hope many people will visit this year’s plum festival, take lots of photos, and make lasting memories of Tsukigase! From the early‑spring Tsukigase Marathon to the Spring Breeze Plum Village Friendship Festival and sencha tea festival at Romantopia Tsukigase, plus a haiku competition and Nara‑zome textile exhibition, the event lineup is packed with activities!! At the tea houses that open only during the festival, you can enjoy Tsukigase specialties you’ll find nowhere else: Tsukigase hot pot, country udon, wild boar hot pot, plum soft serve, charcoal‑grilled kusa‑mochi, plum roll cakes, and more! May many smiles bloom again this year! All members of the Tsukigase Tourism Association are working hard to prepare and look forward to your visit!

Wakamasu Bakery 🥖 @wakamasu_bakery (Instagram) A beloved shop frequented by regulars, I visited Wakamasu Bakery. The bakery has run for three generations from the founder to the current owner, moving from the original Ina shop to Suwa, and has continued for 99 years! Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together 🍞 Wakamasu began in Ina in the great-grandfather’s time, and the shop is linked to Nagano’s soul food, the gyūnyū pan (milk bread)!!! Pop-up signs in the shop explain the products and highlight their commitment to domestic wheat and sudakito (sudaki sugar), a mineral-rich sugar made from 100% cane. Their beloved “Milk Ball” is famous, and many regulars come just for it 🥖 ・A long-time favorite, the soft French-style roll filled with milk cream: the Milk Ball ・Owner’s pick: Cream Bread filled generously with homemade custard cream ・A recent hit: Croque Monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese ・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of savory baked breads are available. ◎ Wakamasu Bakery 📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City ☎ 0266-52-3488 ◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00 ◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday ◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/... Regular customers are hooked on Wakamasu Bakery’s Milk Ball! The owner’s great-grandfather started Wakamasu Bakery in Ina. Wakamasu Bakery has been in business for 99 years. Later, the owner’s father moved the shop to its current location in Suwa. Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together. Between you and me, Wakamasu Bread is connected to gyūnyū pan (milk cream bread). Nowadays the owner uses domestic wheat and sudaki sugar (a Japanese sugar rich in minerals). She is particular about ingredients. These are the regular offerings: ・Regular customers come for the Milk Ball. ・The owner’s recommendation is Cream Bread with homemade custard cream. ・A recent trend is the croque monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese. ・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of cooked breads. ◎ Wakamasu Bakery 📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City ☎ 0266-52-3488 ◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00 ◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday ◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/...

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Suigo Sawara Tourism Association. Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, located in the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture, is a town that flourished as a transit point for water transportation on the Tone River. There is a history of developing the culture transmitted from Edo as Sawara's unique culture. The remnants of the traditional Traditional Japanese straw raincoat of that time still remain along the Ono River Coast and Katori Kaido, and you can experience the atmosphere of good old Japan In December 1996 (Heisei 8), it was selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" for the first time in the Kanto region. It is also known as the town where Ino Tadataka, who created the map of Japan during the Edo period, lived. ◆Introduction of sightseeing spots in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ ◇ Katori Jingu Shrine It is the Sohonzan of about 400 Katori Shrines throughout Japan. In the vast Precincts called Katori Forest, there are sacred cedar trees and old cedars with a circumference of about 10 meters that are 1,000 years old. During the season when hundreds of cherry trees are in bloom, many cherry blossom viewers visit. ◇Suwa Shrine It is a shrine located on a Hilltop, a 5-minute walk from Sawara Station, and enshrines the god of industrial development, the god of wisdom, and the god of God of higher education. The Suwa Shrine Autumn Festival, held every year in October, features 14 festival floats parade through the town. ◇Townscape of Sawara Buildings from the Edo period still remain in the town, and 13 buildings designated as prefectural designated cultural properties are lined up along the Ono River and along the Katori Kaido. It is a reminder of the lively life of the merchants of the past. ◇Roadside Station Mizu no Sato Sawara Popular agricultural products from Products from Sawara are lined up. Processing products and specialty products using local products are also popular as souvenirs. Served at local "SPF pork" tonkatsu, curry and Udon noodles at the food court, which is lined with four shops. ◇Ino Tadataka Memorial Museum Ino Tadataka, who surveyed and walked around Japan during the Edo period and created the first measured map of Japan, lived and worked in Sawara. Ino Tadataka Memorial Museum is a Museum whose achievements can be traced. The 2,345 documents left by Ino Tadataka are designated as National Treasures. ◇Koedo Sawara Boat Tour The boat tour, where you can see the historic townscape of Sawara, allows you to spend a relaxing time while immersing yourself in the history of Sawara. It takes about 30 minutes, and you can also enjoy a Boatman's guide. ◆Specialty products of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ The fertile soil of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, nurtures a variety of agricultural products such as rice, Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwifruit, carrots, and green onions. These fresh flavors enrich the food culture of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. ◆Festivals and Events in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ ◇Sawara Grand Festival Summer Festival, Sawara Grand Festival Autumn Festival The Sawara Grand Festival Summer Festival, held every year in July, is the Gion Festival at Yasaka Shrine, which has a history of 300 years, and the Sawara Grand Festival Autumn Festival, held every year in October, is the Gion Festival at Suwa Shrine. There are 10 festival float cars for the summer festival and 14 for the autumn festival, parade the town. The festival float is decorated with Japanese One of the largest dolls with Made-up story such as carp and falcon, and weighs 3 to 4 tons and is 7 meters high It is called one of the three major float festivals in Kanto's 3 major float festivals, and is also designated as an important Intangible folk cultural asset of Japan. ◆Charm of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ Enjoy the cityscape where you can feel like you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. In Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, feel the history, nature and culture. Best regards at COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended information on Sawara, Katori City!

【Hayakawa Meitoshi: Kominka Cafe Locksmith】 Spend time around the sunken hearth while feeling the slow stream of time and the tranquility of Okuyama, a locksmith in the northernmost village of Hayakawa Town! 【Meals】The menu focuses on local production for local consumption, such as fresh pasta made with homemade miso, curry and stewed tomatoes made with Deer meat from the In the town. The "Sesame Cheesecake" and "Chiffon Cake" that appeared in the popular anime are also popular Gastronomical delicacies! In addition, the food is served with cutlery and pottery by artists in the In the town. 【Experience】If you have time, we also recommend Narada's traditional "Oboko doll painting experience"! Please forget about time and create a special work. The photo is the Scene of the "Oboko Doll Painting Contest" held at the exchange salon of our Tourist Association! Everyone lost track of time and enjoyed the colors and designs they wanted. *Oboko doll: In Narada, we and a warm custom of giving handmade wooden toys as gifts to babies who are celebrating the Lunar New Year for the first time that year. Oboko dolls are given to girls, and toys such as guns and mallets are given to boys. In Showa 35, it was designated as a Yamanashi Prefecture Cultural Property (Ethnic Documents) as a "living tool of Narada".

On Tuesday, December 17, we held in the "Ubuyama Village Winter Lunch Party". Village, about 20 participants from outside the Village were able to enjoy cooking and eating deliciously while learning about the master's commitment. Speaking of Kumamoto and Aso, "soup" soup is also eaten in Oita Prefecture, but the taste and shape of the soup are different depending on the region and each family. This time, we asked a mother from Ubuyama Village to be a teacher and teach us how to cook. We used vegetables that were painstakingly made by farmers in the Village, and we enjoyed the soup with new Rice and Akitaka cabbage. It is a small Village with about 1,400 Village residents, but the people who live there are very powerful. Ubuyama Village is located in the hinterland of Aso. There are many roads that are difficult to pass with a large car, and you can feel a different charm from popular sightseeing spots. I would be happy if you could learn about Satoyama life in the Ubuyama village where the deep part of Aso remains strongly through this article.

2024.12.03 Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Store Once again, Kasai — a self-confessed foodie — was lured by the sweet aroma and paid a visit to Maruyasu Tanakaya's main store. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Tsuchihashi, the company's Managing Director, kindly spoke with us. The main store sits near Lake Suwa, and they also operate a Kamisuwa Ekimae store near Kami-Suwa Station, giving them two locations in Suwa City. Maruyasu Tanakaya began in 1929 in front of Kami-Suwa Station. This year marks their 95th anniversary, making them a confectionery and cake shop with a proud history. When you think of Maruyasu Tanakaya, the Cheesecake Entremet, available by mail order, comes to mind! Beauty advisor Chizu Saeki helped bring it wider recognition. The Cheesecake Entremet itself has been a beloved flagship product for 40 years. They offer nationwide shipping, so people across Japan can enjoy it. Although Maruyasu Tanakaya is strongly associated with Western-style confections, they originally made Japanese sweets. The yokan (sweet bean jelly) preserves recipes from those early days. Because they previously supplied azuki beans and rice, they make yokan from carefully selected azuki beans—please enjoy it as well! Mr. Tsuchihashi's top recommendation is "Shinano no Kuni" — a butter castella sponge cake studded with chopped chestnuts and coated in a refreshing lemon cream. Named after the prefectural song "Shinano no Kuni," it has been loved for about 50 years. On the side of the wrapping paper you can even see the old provincial name 'Jūshū' (literally 'Ten Provinces'), a reference to the line 'Shinano no kuni wa jūshū ni…' from the prefectural song. I love that packaging so much that I even use the previous design as teaching material (laughs). Maruyasu Tanakaya offers many sweets and has a seating area. Come and enjoy tea time with friends and savor their treats. ★ Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Store 📍 3-1421-1 Takashima, Suwa-shi, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0126 ◎ Business hours: 10:00 – 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list... ◎ Homepage: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp// They have another branch close to Kami-Suwa Station. They started in 1929, so this year is their 95th anniversary. Many Japanese traditional sweets shops have long histories. On this day, Mr. Tsuchihashi, the Managing Director, talked with me. Their shop’s famous product is Cheesecake Entremet. It has been loved for 40 years. Numerous media and magazines have spotlighted the Cheesecake Entremet. They operate an online shop and offer nationwide shipping, so please enjoy it at home. I had pictured Maruyasu Tanakaya making Western-style sweets like the Cheesecake Entremet, but I was mistaken. At the beginning, the shop produced Japanese traditional sweets. The yokan remains as it was back then. Mr. Tsuchihashi’s recommendation is Shinano no Kuni. It is a butter sponge cake with finely chopped chestnuts inside, finished with lemon cream on the outside. Sounds delicious, right? Absolutely! They offer many kinds of sweets. If you visit Suwa City, please try them—I’m sure you’ll like them! ★ Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Branch 3-1421-1 Takashima, Suwa-shi, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0126 ◎ Business hours: 10:00 – 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list... ◎ Homepage: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp// https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list... https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp//

The poster for Tomakomai City's major winter Events "Tomakomai Skate Festival" has been completed! We are looking forward to welcoming you to the "Tomakomai Skate Festival", which is "good to eat and good to play" and "Shibareyaki" that is baked and eaten in a drum under the cold winter sky, and the "Little Slide" about 4 meters high made of snow!