Three Ways to Enjoy the Akajomatsu Forest Stroll through the woods, sometimes stepping close to a tree, sometimes stepping back to take it all in… If you use not only your sight but also your hearing, smell, and touch, one surprising discovery after another awaits. Notice the seasonal changes and your walk in the forest becomes even more delightful. Behind the Kawayu Visitor Center there are two walking trails centered on a natural stand of Akajomatsu firs. This time, we created this text with reference to and excerpts from part of the "Akajomatsu Forest Guidebook" available at the Kawayu Visitor Center. The brochure describes many more ways to enjoy the forest beyond these three. For more details, please see the brochure mentioned above.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara City is a sightseeing destination blessed with nature where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, fireflies and fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves and trekking; and in winter, snowfall. You can enjoy local food, agriculture, outdoor activities, and nature walks. Please follow and check us out as a travel reference! ✨ If you want to learn more about the nature-rich Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, please see our basic profile and the Shobara Tourist Navi website. 😍

The season for fireflies has arrived again. Kikuchi City is a famous firefly spot known as “Japan’s number one firefly home.” You can see them along the Nikakiga River and the Watase River in the Asahi-shi area of Kikuchi City. The places where you can see fireflies in Japan are decreasing year by year. Fireflies do not only thrive where the water is pristine. They prefer places with gentle water flow, sandy or gravelly riverbeds, low ambient light, quiet surroundings, and the presence of freshwater snails such as kawanina. They favor these limited types of habitat. As global environmental issues worsen, the habitats where fireflies can live are also shrinking. Even so, you can still see many fireflies in Kikuchi City. Fireflies spend their larval stage growing in the water for about a year while storing food. They then pupate and emerge as adults. As adults, they live for about two weeks. In other words, out of the 365 days of the year, the period when you can enjoy fireflies is only about two weeks. Also, adult fireflies do not eat. They spend their adult lives without feeding. The fireflies we watch are living through a life that ends in a flash. Each year we can see them because, despite that short life, they reliably pass their life on to the next generation. We are very happy that fireflies can be viewed in Kikuchi City again this year. Please come and visit Kikuchi City to enjoy firefly viewing. □ Best viewing times ・Nikakiga River: mid-May ・Watase River: mid-May to late May □ Viewing areas ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Obara (Obara district) ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Fumoto (Takayanagi district) □ Parking…parking available in each district ・Obara district parking (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only, 200 yen) (May 11–early June) ・Takayanagi district parking (free) (May 17–early June) □ Viewing etiquette ・Do not shine flashlights or lights at the fireflies → Fireflies dislike strong light. Shining phone lights or using a flash can cause them to hide. It also disturbs other viewers. ・Do not make loud noises or cause disturbances → Loud noise will scare the fireflies and bother nearby residents. Please be considerate as viewing takes place at night. ・Do not catch or take them home → Adult fireflies can fly for only one to two weeks. Enjoy watching them living in the wild. ・Take your trash home with you → Fireflies live in clean environments. Let’s all protect the beautiful natural environment. ・Follow traffic rules → Viewing takes place at night. Please watch for people stepping onto roads. Road restrictions may be in place around viewing areas during the viewing season. Please cooperate to help keep viewers safe.

Shark Scramble 🦈 You can go on a day trip! Shark swimming adventure in Tateyama, Chiba The other day, members of Hokule'a Shonan went to 🫧 "Shark's Scramble" in Tateyama, Chiba As the name suggests, it is a very impressive dive site with many sharks coming and going in front of you! On this day, guests from overseas also participated 🇯🇵 "I can't believe I can swim with sharks in Japan!" and I was very 😊 impressed by the impression The point is the diving Spot "Ito" in Tateyama. Here, you can observe the sharks that gather in search of food and swim around in front of you. Encounters with a wide variety of creatures such as tiger sharks, spiders, and rays are attractive, and it is a popular sea with many repeaters as well as first-time visit. And if Hokule'a Shonan ... Diving to Tateyama is also OK for a day trip! Some people may think, "Isn't Chiba far from Kanagawa?" We will guide you by Car from JR Hiratsuka Station and can also accommodate pick-up at stations along the way. Therefore, it is a big attraction 🚗💨 that you can easily participate even from the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas Some people are worried, "Aren't sharks dangerous?" Rest assured that the sharks here are accustomed to people and are not of an aggressive kind. After thorough safety management, we support even beginners so that they can enjoy it with peace of mind! "I want to swim with sharks someday!" Such a dream comes true with this Shark Scramble in Ito. Why don't you experience the power and mystery of the sea world together? 😊 📍 Held in by request! Please feel free to contact us 🌸 ▶ 【Experience Diving, Fun Diving, Sense Course Accepting】 #SharkDive #SharkScramble #DiveWithSharks #JapanDiving #ChibaDive #OnlyInJapan #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #PrivateDiveExperience #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #UnderwaterAdventure #SafeDiving #BeginnerFriendly #SeaYouSoon

Ikeda Town Tourism Opening Ceremony Announcement🍷 Every year, Ikeda Town holds the Tourism Opening Ceremony to pray for a successful tourist season. The ceremony for safety prayers and a bountiful flow of visitors is paired with events that residents and tourists can enjoy together. The Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies will also attend to add a touch of elegance to the ceremony. If you have time, please come and join us. Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM–around 2:00 PM Location: In front of JR Ikeda Station * The event may be canceled in case of rain. If canceled, announcements will be posted on the Ikeda Town Tourism Association website and social media. Ikeda Town Tourism Association → @tokachi_ikeda The fountain opening ceremony in front of Ikeda Station begins at 10:30 AM, and vendor events start at 11:00 AM. Program ● Fountain Opening Ceremony in front of the station ● Local food and products corner ● Wine-pouring experience into the fountain ● Children’s festival corner ● TOCORON (Tocoron) Ikeda version Banana Manju Macaron on sale ● Performance by Ikeda High School Wind Ensemble Vendors Super Ryokuen, Hiro Kitchen, Tokachi Ikedaya (Café & Life akao, son of Juraku), Ikeda Town Chamber of Commerce Youth Division, TOCORON Project Team (volunteer high school circle from Tokachi area) Contact Ikeda Town Tourism Association (Tel: 015-572-2286) * Please note that program details may change. https://kankou-ikeda.com//

From Sakai to the Expo site by boat. No traffic, perfect views. Comfortable access via the water route✨ Departing from Sakai Old Port, it’s only 30 minutes to the Expo site. Take this boat and you’ll no longer worry about traffic jams or crowded crowds. No road congestion, no long lines on station platforms. Onboard, just enjoy the water-city scenery of Osaka as the breeze blows🏯 The evening sail is especially recommended. After enjoying the Expo, avoid the rush-hour trains and return to Sakai on a relaxing cruise. It’s travel that feels like a mini getaway even though it’s just transportation. With a slightly different way to get there, make your Expo experience more comfortable and more special. 🎫Search “Universal Cruise” to make a reservation!

Osaka Festival! — EXPO2025 Spring Showcase The Osaka Festival — EXPO Spring Showcase will take place at the Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena. Around 40 floats and platforms gathered from across Osaka, including danjiri, yagura, and taiko-dai, will come together in one place! A vibrant lineup of energetic festivals will open Osaka Week. From Sakai City, the Keana-cho danjiri and the Shinzaikehama futon taiko will be demonstrated and exhibited. 📅 Dates and times: Friday, May 9 — Danjiri Keana-cho (Naka Ward) Saturday, May 10 — Futon Taiko Shinzaikehama (Sakai Ward) 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required Anyone attending the Osaka-Kansai Expo is welcome to join. 🏠 Venue: Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena 🔍 For details, search “Re-Discover”! 🔍 Also be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo special site (If you come to Expo, please come to Sakai too). We look forward to seeing you there!😄

The 3rd India DAY in Sakai✨3rd India DAY in Sakai🎉 😋 Booths will feature Indian food, spices, and sundries, and the stage will showcase a packed lineup including Bollywood dance and traditional Indian dance, as well as Japanese traditional arts such as Japanese taiko drumming!

We present outing information for Minamiizu Town during Golden Week. ◆Tuesday, April 29 (National Holiday) ・14th Charity Bazaar for the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Event 10:00–15:00 Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden Food, crafts, local vegetables and more on sale, specialty products from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and photo exhibits https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ・Bridle Experience Day 10:00–15:00 Izu Shimoda Riding Club Session 1: 10:00–12:00, Session 2: 13:00–15:00 https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Saturday, May 3 ・Irozaki Fashion Park 2025 10:00–16:00 at Irozaki Ocean Park Dress up and gather at Irozaki! Various stalls will be available ◆Monday, May 5 (National Holiday)–Tuesday, May 6 (National Holiday) ・Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Golden Week Event 10:00–15:00 at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Ring toss, super ball scooping, and various stalls ◆Until April 30 — Ongoing ・Ihama Margaret Flower Picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 5 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Bamboo Shoot Harvesting (Takenoko Shokudo) Ichijo Bamboo Shoot Village https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 6 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Strawberry Picking at Baby Berry Farm https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry......

Photographed on April 5, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's matcha tiramisu.

📍 “Futari demo Sakai” Heart-Pounding Darts Journey! 🎯🚶‍♂️ Decide destinations with a dart throw and solve challenges about each spot as you tour the city on this fresh travel experience.✨ Rediscover Sakai’s charms and set off on an exciting adventure.💡💛 📅 Event Period: March 14 (Friday) – May 31 (Saturday) ✅ Free to participate 🆓 ✅ No reservation required 📆✖️ ✅ Win prizes 🎁🎯 🔍For details, search “Futari demo Sakai” on the Sakai Tourism Guide website!

[Yamanashi Prefecture Drone Business Council established] Today, the Fujikawa Development Corporation with members and established the Yamanashi Prefecture Drone Business Council Have. In the future, the council will fly in the event of a disaster We will provide training and human resource development. As the second part, in the event of a disaster using a logistics drone We made a demonstration flight as expected.

Akimasu Observatory ◎First Viewing Point Akimasu Observatory has a first viewing point and a second viewing point. At the first viewing point, the surrounding trees 🌳 have grown tall so the view is no longer clear, but you can enjoy a pleasantly open space♪ ◎Second Viewing Point This 1,000 m–high panoramic platform offers a full 360° view, letting you see from Nobeoka as far as Aso in the distance. On clear days you can also spot Hyuga-nada and Mt. Osuzu, and even the Asahi Kasei smokestack with the naked eye. Facing the direction of the rising sun, it also attracts visitors who come to watch the first sunrise of the year 🌄. *All photos were taken from the second viewing point.* (Photographer: Masahiro Aya) With little light from buildings and a clear sky, some visitors come to photograph the starry night 🌟. ◎Parking If you do not turn toward the viewing points and continue straight, you will find a parking area 🅿️ at the end. Why not come to Akimasu Observatory to capture seasonal panoramic photos 📷 throughout the year? 🤗

[🌸Gokase Hanami 2025 Submitted Photos — Part 10🌸] The entries submitted to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” held on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account have reached a pause for now as of today💪🌸 The photo contest is still open, so please do submit your entries🤗✨ @_yuta610 @fowafuwarin5 @meiko_ryu @tokotan2._.2 (in no particular order) This time we received many night cherry blossom photos👏 Even with a step ladder or whatever I try, I can’t take good night photos at all — how do people manage to capture such beautiful night shots like these?🤔 They’re truly wonderful!!! We’ll post again when more featured works have been collected🤗💡 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ≪#Gokase Hanami 2025 — How to Enter≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #date of shooting (example: #March 20)🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... [Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents when photographing.

The Icelandic poppies in the forest park are 🤤 in full bloom This is the Musashi Hills National Forest Park Located in in Namerikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. Flowers bloom throughout the year. Among them, the Icelandic poppy field is worth seeing. I think it will continue until GW, so please come and visit us 😊

Photographed on April 5, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's sakura soda.

I was able to go to the birthplace of the alley in the back again this year. Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture 2025/4

Photographed on April 5, 25. It is a boat trip on the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The boatman is doing his best.

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

Hillside at Gardening LABO offers a space and time to deepen understanding of gardening while enjoying it through hands-on experiences of learning, creating, and eating. Here are the hands-on programs for May. Programs with fixed dates require reservations. Reservations opened on April 12, so if you see a flyer and think, “I want to try this!”, please make a reservation right away. Also, some experiences are available without a reservation, so feel free to stop by when you visit Mihama. Gardening LABO Hills Address: 35-32-1 Kukushi, Mihama Town Phone: 0770-47-6162 Hours: 9:30–17:00 Closed: Mondays (if a public holiday, the following weekday) In May: 5/7, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 https://www.pref.fukui.lg.jp/doc/noushi/engeitaikensisetsu/event.html...

Photographed on April 5, 25. It is a Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) on the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The wisteria shelf of Kameido Tenjin is 🤤 in full bloom This is Kameido Tenjin, Located in in Tokyo! It is in best time to visit around GW every year. Access from the station is good, and the Light up at night makes the wisteria curtains even more enjoyable 🤤

Photographed on April 5, 25. It is the cherry blossom of Kitain.

The schedule for the 2025 Kuniyoshi Castle History Lecture Series has been decided! We look forward to your participation. Talking with Descendants: The Appearance of the Kuniyoshi Castle Lord, the Awaya Family (provisional) Date and Time: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (substitute holiday) 2:00 PM–3:00 PM Lecturer: Yuki Yabui (descendant of the Kuniyoshi Castle lords, the Awaya family) Yasuhiro Ohno (Director, Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum) Goseyama Castle (provisional), Stronghold of the Wakasa Takeda Clan Date and Time: To be determined Lecturer: Curator, Cultural and Tourism Division, Economic and Industrial Department, Obama City Summer Workshop 1: Let’s Make a Kuniyoshi Castle Paper Craft Dates: Every Sunday and public holiday from July 27 (Sun) to August 17 (Sun) Summer Workshop 2: Create an Original Castle Stamp (Gosho-in) Dates: July 26 (Sat) to August 31 (Sun), excluding closed days Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum and Kuniyoshi Castle Site (25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town) Capacity: 30 participants per session Fee: Generally free of charge *Advance reservations required. Children in junior high school and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. *Please provide materials costs for the summer workshops. The amount will be announced once confirmed. Applications and Inquiries Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum Address: 25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Fax: 0770-32-0057

Today, Tuesday, April 22, a test ride event for the electric-assist tricycle LA SI QUE (rashiku) was held in front of Mihama Town General Gymnasium at 1:30 PM. Representatives from the tourism association, which will rent the tricycles, Tsubakimoto Chain Co., Ltd., the developer of LA SI QUE (rashiku), and involved Mihama Town officials gathered to actually test-ride the vehicle and evaluate its comfort. The electric-assist tricycle LA SI QUE (rashiku) will be available for rental as part of the JR Mihama Station bike-share from Saturday, April 26. Please consider using it. LA SI QUE (rashiku) Rental Details Pick-up location: Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association (inside JR Mihama Station) Rental period: Saturday, April 26, 2025 – Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Rental hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Fees: 500 yen for 4 hours, 1,000 yen for one day, 1,500 yen for one night and two days (Completing a post-use questionnaire is required to rent.) How to reserve: Call Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association at 0770-32-0222. Reservations can be made from two weeks in advance. If there is no prior reservation, same-day rentals are possible. Please complete the rental at the Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association counter. (Presentation of ID is required) Drop-off at a different location: Not permitted.

The azaleas along Asakayama Greenway are in peak bloom now. Enjoy the vibrant azaleas stretching about 600 meters along Asakayama Greenway. Take in the colorful display of azaleas along this roughly 600-meter stretch.

Kamikadoji Temple and the Rhododendrons Kamikadoji Temple sits in Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The rhododendrons bloom in profusion and look beautiful. Their pale pink petals are especially lovely. Date photographed: April 21, 2025 Location Kamikadoji Temple (Torita, Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City) ▶ Parking available ▶ Restroom available Kamikadoji Temple Kamikadoji Temple is an ancient temple with over a thousand years of history. It stands on a ridge made of columnar joints of welded tuff formed about 15 million years ago, offering excellent views and historically serving as a strategic stronghold in battles. The temple grounds are planted with many rhododendrons, drawing many visitors during the season. Access to central Bungo Ono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City We share beautiful places around the city on our Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/satonotabiii/...

Rhododendrons at Jinkakuji As of April 21, 2025 The rhododendrons at Jinkakuji in Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The rhododendrons are in full bloom and look beautiful. The pale pink petals are especially lovely. Location Jinkakuji (Torida, Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City) ▶ Parking available ▶ Restrooms available Jinkakuji Jinkakuji is an ancient temple with a history of more than a thousand years. It sits on a ridge of columnar joints formed from welded tuff about 15 million years ago, giving it excellent views and making it a strategic stronghold in past conflicts. The temple grounds are planted with many rhododendrons and attract many visitors during the season. Access to central Bungo Ono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu

Hello, this is the Niihama City Tourism and Products Association! Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture is located in the Northern part of Shikoku, surrounded by the Setouchi in the north and the Shikoku Mountains in the south, surrounded by the sea and mountains, and there are many scenic spots rich in Rich in nature. In addition, due to the prosperity of the Besshi Copper Mine, which was opened during the Edo period, and the Sumitomo groups and its corporate groups, it has developed as one of the one of the most industrial cities in the Seto Inland Sea. In the city, there are many industrial heritage sites that tell the history of the Besshi Copper Mine as "Akagane Town". In addition, there are Sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, such as "Minetopia Besshi", a Theme park of copper mine tourism Use the former Besshi Copper Mine mining headquarters, "Akagane Museum", which is a comprehensive cultural facilities that is a Broadcasting Base point for the city's art and culture, and "Ehime Prefectural Science Museum", which owns one of the world's largest planetariums. We will Broadcasting Specialty products and Tourist Information so that even those who are not familiar with Toyo, Ehime Prefecture can enjoy Traditional Japanese straw raincoat, so thank you. 【Kokokuru ☺ Niihama】 It is a Souvenirs and Information Center in JR Niihama Station operated by the Niihama City Tourism and Products Association. Specialty products of Niihama City are sold, and there is also an eat-in space. Specialty products can be assorted and wrapped. The picture of the profile picture (Aka-chan) is a famous Jibli Yellowtail Anime The mascot character of our association drawn by Katsuya Kondo from Niihama City It's a ctar. Information on new products at Our store will also be broadcasting, so thank you We. Business hours: Weekdays 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays Location: 2-3-45 Sakai-cho, Niihama City (east end of JR Niihama Station) 【Sightseeing spot】 ・Minetopia Besshi A mine sightseeing Theme park that Use the site of the former Besshi Copper Mine mining headquarters. It is a facility that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, such as gold dust extraction experience, Natural hot spring, and restaurant. Group customers can also be accommodated. Known as the "Machu Picchu of the East," the Minetopia Besshi Tohei Zone is served by a guided sightseeing bus. ・Akagane Museum Complex facility Broadcasting local culture and art. The museum is equipped with special exhibitions, a Float Taiko Museum that rotates Float stands in each district, galleries, Souvenirs sales, and other contents that allow you to enjoy culture and art. ・Ehime Prefectural Science Museum There are a planetarium with one of the largest dome screens in the world with a diameter of 30 meters. You can also see Life-size Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops "moving dinosaurs." ・Former Hirose Low, Hirose Historical Memorial Hall It is the residence of the first general director of the Sumitomo family, Yohei Saihei Hirose, and is designated as a national scenic spot. The Hirose Historical Memorial Museum introduces the activities of Yohei, who contributed to the modernization of Japan through the Besshi Copper Mine. 【Gourmet food in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture】 ・Shrimp tempura It is a paste product made with fresh shrimp and is a gastronomical delicacies with a unique fluffy texture. It is also a popular product at "Kokokuru ☺ Niihama" and has many repeat customers. ・Zanki (fried chicken) The outside is crunchy, and the gravy overflows when you bite into your mouth. Niihama's "Zanki (fried chicken)" is based on boneless chicken, has a crunchy batter, and is characterized by a simple taste that you will not get tired of even if you continue to eat it. ・Fuguzaku (blowfish dish) The "skin" and "meat skin" of the fugu in a hot water bath, and the "totoumi" and "meat" in between. These four types are Specialty products of Niihama City, which are grated green onions and kawahagi liver with grated autumn leaves and seasoned with ponzu sauce. ・Shichifuku yam Sweet potatoes are cultivated only on Nii-Oshima, the city's only outlying islands located about 1.5 km northeast of Niihama City. Also called "white potato", it is very sweet and is also called "phantom Sweet Potato" because of its rarity. Beer and sweets made from processing "white mo" are popular products that are familiar to the Citizens of Niihama. 【Events in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture】 ・Niihama Drum Festival Held in from October 15 to 18 every year, it is known as one of the three major festivals in Shikoku. The moment when the "Oyster Kurabe" that makes the most of the characteristics of each district and the Float stand weighing about 3 tons are carried by the power of the men is truly magnificent. At the Yamane Ground, 20 Float Towers (Upper District) are presented at the same time, and the "Unification Yori" is the biggest highlight of the Festival. Period: October 15th ~ 18th of each year *Subject to change. 【Access Information to Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture】 Access from Matsuyama airport Use by JR • From Tokyo: Approximately 5 hours • From Osaka: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes • From Okayama: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes • From Takamatsu: about 1 hour and 20 minutes • From Matsuyama: about 1 hour and 10 minutes ________________________________________ In the case of Car Use (using the expressway) • From Osaka: about 3 hours 30 minutes • From Okayama: about 2 hours • From Takamatsu: about 1 hour and 30 minutes • From Matsuyama: about 1 hour • From Tokushima: about 2 hours • From Kochi: about 1 hour and 30 minutes • From Onomichi: Approximately 2 hours ________________________________________ Use by plane • Tokyo (Haneda, Narita) →Matsuyama airport 1 hour 25 minutes * About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Matsuyama Airports. • Osaka (Itami, Kansai Airport) →Matsuyama airport 50 minutes • Tokyo (Haneda, Narita) →Takamatsu airport 1 hour 20 minutes * About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Takamatsu Airports. ________________________________________ Use by ferry • Kobe Port → Niihama Port (Higashiko) 7 hours • Osaka Nanko → Toyo Port: 8 hours *About 40 minutes by Car from Toyo Port.

Announcement of the Appointment of the 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies 😄 Every year, to mark the start of Ban'ei horse racing, we hold the Tokachi Aozora Ladies certification and handover ceremony at Obihiro Racecourse. 🎵 This year, the certification and handover ceremony took place on Friday, April 18. The 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies are Nozomi Takahashi and Mayuka Ishizaki. We look forward to your support for them. The two 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies presented bouquets to Machi Fujita and Kaori Noguchi, the 30th Tokachi Aozora Ladies, in thanks for their year of activities. As their first duties, the 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies handed out gifts to visitors at the opening of Obihiro Racecourse, took part in the ceremony where the Mayor of Obihiro gave greetings, and appeared on BanSta. Thank you very much! Ban'ei horse racing is a sport where draft horses pull heavy iron sleds, testing speed and strength! Race days are Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. From Saturday, April 26 to Monday, April 28, enjoy the anime Baki Hanma × Ban'ei Tokachi collaboration event! During Golden Week from Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5, a packed lineup of family-friendly attractions awaits, including stage events, food and merchandise booths, and a kids’ corner. 😍 Come to Obihiro Racecourse to cheer as the powerful Ban'ei horses take strong steps right before your eyes!! Please visit the official Ban'ei Tokachi website at the URL below. https://www.banei-keiba.or.jp//