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!

Wakasa Pufferfish Meals Discount Campaign A chance to eat Wakasa pufferfish at a great price! !! Because it is the production area of Wakasa pufferfish! Enjoy delicious pufferfish cuisine in Takahama, the birthplace of Wakasa pufferfish! There are a lot of menus unique to the production area! Meals for Accommodation and Meals only. Please take this opportunity to eat Wakasa pufferfish! Period: November 1, 2024 (Friday) ~ March 16, 2025 (Sunday) 【Details】Discount on Wakasa Pufferfish Meals or Accommodation Fees! 　　　　　one person, 2,000 yen discount on Meals or Accommodation over 5,000 yen including tax * Subject to those who have Gari a Wakasa Pufferfish Meal, regardless of Accommodation or Day trip. * This "Wakasa Pufferfish Meals Discount Campaign" can be used in conjunction with only one system such as Other Tourism Discount Campaign. * Maximum number of people in one group is 8 * It will end when the budget is reached. 【How to apply】When making a reservation at the following participating stores, please inform us that you are using the Wakasa Pufferfish Meals Discount Campaign. 【Participating Stores】 1Ryokan Yoshiyuki 2 Shiofomiso 3Your resort Kosen 4 Live fish dishes Yukai / Ryokan Oya 5Bettei Tatsuta 6 Egami Fresh Fish Store 7 Restaurant Minamoto Osamu 8Takahama's inn Komatsu 9Resort Inn Kishimoto 10 Tokiokaso 11 Kaemon Ryokan 12Sea Mieru Inn Muramiya 13 Guesthouse Hirata Kazaemon 14 Pufferfish cuisine Gosakuso 15 Ryokan Urashi 16 Roux Light Yokoyama Please check the flyer for details.

Luxury brand of Tiger puffer fish "Wakasa Pufferfish" Among the pufferfish that are mainly edible, the king of pufferfish "Tiger puffer fish" is said to be the most delicious and luxurious product. In particular, the Tiger Puffer Fish in Wakasa Bay is well and firm and chewy with a crisp texture, and has been established under the brand name "Wakasa Pufferfish". Takahama Town has a fish farm in In the town, so it has a deep taste in a Fresh and bland and, and has been well received by many customers from inside and outside the prefecture. Takahama Town is the birthplace of "Wakasa Pufferfish" It is said that Tiger puffer fish farming in Fukui Prefecture began in Showa 29, when fishermen in Takahama Town raised Tiger puffer fish in fixed nets in early Spring in an enclosure net that separated part of the sea with wire mesh. Initially, it was carried out by a method called chikuyo, but the technology to artificially produce juvenile fish was developed, and aquaculture trials began in Uchiura Bay, which is 1983 (Showa 58) Takahama Town in Fukui Prefecture, to raise fry until they become large, and after that Tiger puffer fish aquaculture spread to the whole of Wakasa Bay. Thanks to the ingenuity of the producers, it is possible to provide a stable supply all year round, and at Wakasa Takahama, you can enjoy Wakasa pufferfish deliciously even Gari summer.

UMIKARA Takahama District Traveling with fish market "UMIKARA" Freshly caught seafood from the fishing port is lined up at "UMIKARA Market" Shop "UMIKARA select" where original Specialty Products are lined up that are perfect for Souvenirs "Umikara Shokudo" where you can enjoy menu using Fresh seafood and Local vegetables The rooftop open terrace "UMIKARA TERRACE" where you can enjoy fish snacks while enjoying a great location. It is a combined fish and food market specializing in sea feasts. 〇Basic Information〇 【Address】 5-1 Shiodo, Takahama Town, Oi-gun, Fukui 【Inquiry】 TEL：0770-72-3528　/　FAX：0770-72-3538 business hours 【UMIKARA Market】9:00～20:00 【UMIKARA select】9:00～16:00 【Umikara Shokudo】10:00~15:00(LO14:30)/ 18:00〜22:00(LO21:30)*Dinner only on Saturdays and Sundays 【Umikara Terrace】10:00~16:30 (Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and the day before holidays from May ~ September) Regular holiday Year-end and New Year holidays Free Car Parking: Approx. 70 cars

From Soto Recipes! As a special return to everyone who supported us through crowdfunding of the luxury retort "Izu no Gokumeshi" that fully uses high-quality ingredients from the three towns of Shizuoka and Izu, we Held in a social gathering to eat "Izu no Gokumeshi" together in Izu with our ambassador Izu no Nushi Fishing. Izu Southwest Coast Tourism Promotion Council Three towns: Nishi-Izu Town, Matsuzaki Town, and Minami-Izu Town We received full cooperation in recipe development, etc. Chiaki, Representative of Soto Recipe Co., Ltd. Ambassador "Izu no Nushi Fishing" With everyone who supported us We enjoyed camping food unique to the southwestern Coast of Izu, such as "Dogashima barley wine", "Hon Wasabi and local fish", "Ghibier yakiniku", "natural eel kabayaki", "deep-fried ginaga shrimp", and "tide soup". Souvenirs include "Hot Spring Melon", "Bonito Dashi Salt", and "Matsuzaki Rice". There is a very much to everyone who participated.

Nov. 27th in 2024 Today, the gluttonous Kasai went to a Japanese sweets shop for research again!!! It's Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch! But, everyone, do you notice anything in the pictures? Look! Look!!! I was so excited to go to Engetsu-dou that I forgot to take a picture of the shop's exterior... I'm really driven by my appetite... I'm ashamed... I'll make sure to do it next time! I spoke with Mrs. Katagiri, the proprietress of Engetsu-dou Hompo! It seems that they started with a different shop name 78 years ago (Showa 21), before it became Engetsu-dou. At first, it was in front of Kamisuwa Station! Four years later, they expanded to Kowada, and eight years after that, to Shimizu. Now, they have the Shimizu store and this Fukushima store, which opened in 1992, offering Japanese sweets at two stores in the city!!! The proprietress's recommendations are the revived "Kojou Monaka" and "Kabuto Monaka"!!! There are about four types of Monaka, and there are many different kinds. According to the proprietress, "Each Japanese sweets shop has a different red bean paste, so it's fun to try and find your favorite!" Also, she said "Recently, the number of foreign customers has been increasing little by little, and I think they may be paying attention to red bean paste because it is lower in calories than Western-style cream." ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 Nov. 27th in 2024 Today I went to Engetsu-dou Hompo which is Japanese traditional sweets (Wagashi) shop in Suwa city! “Wa” means Japan. “Gashi” means sweets. So, Japanese traditional sweets call Wagashi? They have two shops in Suwa, Shimizu-machi area and Fukujima area. I went to Fukujima location. Don’t you notice about pictures??? Did you? I was focus for Wagashi… That’s why I forgot to take a picture about Engetsu-dou’s exterior… That’s big mistake! Horrible!!! I’m so sorry about that. I’m gluttony. Wagashi was right front of me, I lost from Wagashi’s temptation. So, I forgot took the shop’s exterior photo… Ms. Katagiri (landlady) introduce her shop and Wagashi. They founded in 1946. About 78 years. The shop was front of Kamisuwa station. They started with the different name of the shop. It became Engetsu-dou in 1950. Shimizu-machi branch opened in 1958. Fukujima branch opened in 1992. I asked her, “what is your recommendation Wagashi?” She told me Kojou Monaka and Kabuto Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet that is bean‐jam‐filled wafers. Also, she said “You can enjoy Wagashi every season, and each shop has original sweetened red bean paste. So, you can enjoy to find your favorite shop. Now, gradually increasing foreign customers. I think they realized Wagashi is less than calories compare to cake.” ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00

Making nozawana pickles in the hot springs ♨️ Nozawana pickles are a sign of early winter in Shinshu 😊 I joined the NPO Gurutta Network Omachi’s “Nozawana Pickling Hot Spring Vegetable Washing” event 😌 I posted about it on the staff blog ✨ I’d be happy if you could view it on the official website ☺️

Hello everyone! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. Today brought clear skies, and the Shosenkyo Houtou Festival was held in grand fashion! This year’s Houtou Festival was a collaborative event with Kofu Daiichi High School’s Research Course. The a cappella club, dance club, and folk-rock club delivered wonderful performances that really energized the crowd! In addition, the bingo tournament with luxurious prizes was a huge hit. The five varieties of houtou on offer each had their own distinctive flair, and every one was superb! Which houtou was your favorite?

That day, greedy Kawanishi visited a wagashi shop he had long been curious about! It was Koshido, located in Suehiro, Suwa. I spoke with President Kurita. To my surprise, this long-established wagashi shop has been in business for 99 years since Taisho 14 (1925). The current president appears to be the third generation. By chance, five days before my visit, a local newspaper ran a story saying students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School had designed the shop’s classic packaging and stickers. Even amid such history, I was charmed by this flexible approach and arranged an appointment. According to the president, the Suwa Confectioners’ Association once included 60–70 shops, and many were in the city, but now only 17 remain. I want to cherish the wagashi culture left by earlier generations and pass it on. I personally love anko (sweet red bean paste), so I’ve always liked wagashi. That day I learned that wagashi can be enjoyed in every season, and I gained new insights!!! In spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi; for the equinoctial week there are botamochi and ohagi; in autumn there are inoko-mochi and tsutsugayu, and more. I hope to introduce these delicate and delicious wagashi to everyone! ◎ Koshido 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/ That day, I went to Koshido, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Suwa. Mr. Kurita is the shop’s president and craftsman. The shop has been open for 99 years, and he is the third generation. On November 9th, I saw a newspaper article about the shop: students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School designed stickers for the product. He told me that long ago there were 60–70 wagashi shops in Suwa city, but now only 17 remain. I feel it’s important to preserve this great tradition for future generations. I didn’t know wagashi could be enjoyed across the four seasons! It’s true. In autumn there are dango, inoko-mochi, and tsutsugayu; in spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi, among others. I still have much to learn about traditional Japanese sweets, and I will continue to write about seasonal wagashi from now on! ◎ KOSHIDO 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan ◎ Tel: 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (8)" For three days from today, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. Stalls will be introduced! 【Shikisha】~Tomakomai City~ Annual event outlet sweets are available. It is a product that is separated or has an irregular shape, but we will offer it at a price that is easy to buy! !!

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls (7)" For 3 days from 10/25~10/27, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. We will introduce the Stalls in front of the Held in! 【Kanedai Ono Shoten】~Mukawa Towns~ It is a popular store that has been Stalls since the first edition of the East Iburi Product Festival. The "Raw Dried Shishamo", which is made by drying Hokkaido honshishamo overnight, is a popular item, and we also accept local shipments from the venue to all over the country. Fried shishamo, stewed shishamo honeydew, hokki curry, etc. We have a wide range of delicious products made in-house.

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (6)" For 3 days from 10/25~10/27, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. We will introduce the Stalls in front of the Held in! 【Roadside Station Utonai Lake Plaisir】~Tomakomai City~ B1 Tonchan's pork buns and shumai at the pig farmer's directly managed store Thanks to you, we are celebrating our 21st anniversary! We also sell sausages and gyoza that you can conveniently eat at home. Please come and visit us!

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (5)" For 3 days from 10/25~10/27, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. We will introduce the Stalls in front of the Held in! 【Kitaya】~Tomakomai City~ "Hokki Shumai" using Tomakomai hokki, which won the Grand Prix at the 2022 SEA class gourmet "Chicken char siu" made by layering Hokkaido chicken thighs and breast meat, etc. Please enjoy our handmade products using raw materials from Hokkaido.

Local ingredients and specialty products are gathering in Tomakomai City: the 41st Higashi-Iburi Products Festival runs for three days from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th. This year’s venue is Aeon Mall Tomakomai. Come and enjoy our proud local flavors.

"The 41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (1)" For three days from October 25th to October 27th, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. From today, we will introduce the stores that will be Stalls at the festival, so please keep an eye out! 【Kitakiya Joint Stock Company】~Tomakomai City~ In addition to the same Traditional Japanese straw raincoat hokki cooked rice, we will also sell "Toma Chop Oyaki" in the shape of a hokki shell with Toma Chop branding. It's heavy and There are satisfying! In addition to selling products at the venue, we also accept shipping.

October 5, 2024 Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll On that day, a major event took over the town of Suwa: the “Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll.” Along a one‑kilometer walking radius from JR Kami‑Suwa Station along National Route 20, five of Suwa’s famous breweries stand side by side, and for the event the area from Suwa 2‑chome to the Motomachi traffic lights was turned into a pedestrian zone. The five breweries of Suwa proudly served their signature sakes🍶. This year, a cypress masu (wooden sake box) doubled as a passport, letting visitors enjoy the aroma of hinoki wood while sipping fine sake. The 3,000 tickets sold out by September 30, showing just how popular the event was!!! Compared with last year, more local restaurants offered snack stalls, and additional stalls were run by neighborhood groups!!! Although the weather was a little worrying that day, the ticket exchange at 11:00 at Swatchao was lively, and the city began to buzz toward the pedestrian zone start at 12:00. By the official start at 13:00, lines had formed in front of the five breweries as people queued for their preferred labels!!! After opening remarks by Suwa’s mayor and the head of the Chamber of Commerce, the stroll kicked off with Suwa’s customary kiyari work song, and the sake stroll began. The kiyari performers then walked along the kaido, responding to requests and singing until around 17:00🎶 From 14:00, local dance troupes energized the venue. Many guests joined in the dancing, and the sight of everyone enjoying themselves was memorable. The food stalls drew long queues: yakitori, grilled eel, karaage and sanzokuyaki (mountain warrior‑style fried chicken), chicken wings, game dishes, kushiyaki, candied apples, bento sellers, french fries, yakisoba, and more… The snack stalls were as busy as the sake booths! Good sake paired with delicious local dishes and snacks naturally brought smiles to people’s faces🎶 We met many smiling visitors—thank you very much. What surprised us most was how little trash there was. From the organizer’s perspective, we picked up litter from JR Kami‑Suwa Station to the far end of the venue just before the event ended, and there seemed to be very little trash on the streets. I believe that resulted from attendees properly sorting and disposing of their waste. As I walked around holding a bag and saying, “If you have any trash, please put it in this bag!” several visitors responded, “Wow, amazing! You even collect trash? Thank you so much.” Those words wiped away my fatigue! I was deeply moved😢 For the next event, our staff will continue striving to ensure guests are satisfied and have a great time, while gaining the understanding and cooperation of local residents so that Suwa’s town can become even more vibrant and lively.

"Roundabout Tomakomai Stamp Rally" is being held in! !! If you visit 5 spots in Tomakomai City, you will receive luxurious Premiums by lottery! You can enjoy gourmet, Nature, history, and various Tomakomai! Please join us! Held in period:9/2~11/30

The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Held in! Date & Time: October 25 (Fri) ~ 27 (Sun) 10:00~17:00 Venue: AEON MALL Tomakomai 1st Floor West Court The Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival is a festival where you can feel the food culture of the Higashi-Iburi region of Hokkaido. A Great concentration of Specialty Products and specialties from the Higashi-Iburi region (Tomakomai City, Shiraoi Towns, Atsuma Towns, Anping Towns, Mukawa Towns) that are perfect for the taste of autumn! Please take this opportunity to visit us!

On this day, foodie Kawanishi visited Tokoro Terrace in Shiga Akanuma, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture. This stylish spot, known in Suwa for selling kanten, also houses a cafe and dining area.☕ Tokoro Terrace promotes making kanten part of everyday life with the motto “bringing kanten closer to you.” The person who introduced the shop that day was manager Kurane. Next to the shop and cafe is a factory specializing in tokoroten, so the tokoroten served here comes fresh from the adjacent factory!!! I dislike vinegar-and-soy dressing, and since I learned about kuromitsu I’ve been hooked♪ It’s virtually zero calories (excluding the kuromitsu lol)!!! Kanten comes in many forms—block kanten (bō kanten), string kanten, and powdered kanten—and it’s a versatile ingredient you can add to rice, miso soup, or salads. As a child, I couldn’t wait for the school lunch day with mandarin orange milk kanten and used to pace around the serving area... Kanten provides dietary fiber and doesn’t overpower other ingredients, so it shines in main dishes, appetizers, and desserts alike—truly the Shohei Ohtani of the ingredient world!!! That day I found a pack of 100 sticks of kanten; some customers buy that size a few times a year!!! The quantity and enormity were astounding lol At the cafe, they use that kanten in tokoroten, cream anmitsu (their most popular item), soft serve, and even the hugely popular pudding. They serve lunch (11:00–14:00), where a salad with added kanten enhances the flavors of the main dish. The place is welcoming to men and has counter seating, so you can easily enjoy a casual cafe visit or lunch.🍴 You can also enjoy coffee made from beans by Yuhigahama Coffee of Matsumoto alongside the sweets, so try them together.☕ The entire shop is barrier-free, so customers in wheelchairs can enter with confidence. Many visitors come in three generations—grandmother, mother, and grandchild—and enjoy the cafe together. Why not consider this as a souvenir from Suwa? ◎ Tokoro Terrace 📍 1545-1 Shiga, Suwa (5-minute drive from Suwa I.C. toward Lake Suwa; parking for 40 cars) ☎ 0266-52-1056 ◎ Hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Shop hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Cafe hours: 10:00–17:00 (Lunch 11:00–14:30) ◎ Closed: Thursdays and during the New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 2) ◎ Online shop available.

Limited to this summer! “Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry” An original curry made with fresh, delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants This project aims to introduce the summer vegetables grown locally to many people from both inside and outside the city Each restaurant adds its own twist—lightly frying or simmering pumpkins, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, and more You’ll find a wide variety of dishes, from curry rice to pasta and curry ramen A rich lineup of menu options awaits! Serving period: Until Monday, September 30, 2024 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant’s circumstances