Isehara Flower Update: September 20 Gentle Hinata red spider lilies…their stems have grown and blooming has begun, and in some spots they are partially very beautiful! This morning’s view of the red spider lilies. Temporary Tourist Information Desk open at Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Lot September 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun), 23 (Mon, public holiday) 9:30–15:00 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the “Hinata Yakushi” bus, about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop During the red spider lily season, the parking lot behind the Human Resources Development Center is specially opened and a red spider lily guide map is provided, so please make use of it. Please refrain from parking on the street. The season gets crowded, so please enjoy the flowers while observing good manners.

The 57th Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival The Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival, held in memory of the local samurai lord Dōkan Ōta, is the city’s largest event! This year’s Dōkan will be played by actor Ryohei Odai, and Masako Hōjō will be portrayed by TV personality LiLiCo, in the traditional Dōkan Ōta falconry procession and Masako Hōjō’s pilgrimage to Hinata Yakushi. The festival also features an exhibition 3x3 basketball match and a new puzzle event, “Isehara Puzzle Walking Tour: Dōkan Ōta’s Treasure,” among many other attractions. Event Dates and Times Saturday, October 5 — 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, October 6 — 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Venue: Around Odakyu Isehara Station, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Contact: 0463-94-4729 Tōkan Festival Executive Committee (Isehara City Commerce and Tourism Promotion Division)

Isehara Flower Update: September 18 The spider lilies at Hinata are not yet in peak bloom. Some areas have already begun to bloom. A temporary tourist information desk will open at the parking area next to the Hinata Yakushi bus stop. It will operate on Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; and Monday, September 23 (a public holiday). From the north exit of Odakyu Isehara Station, take the Kanachu Bus from platform 3. Take the bus bound for Hinata Yakushi; the ride takes about 20 minutes. Get off at the final stop. ※Bus service is limited, so please check schedules in advance. If the temporary desk is not open, unmanned spider lily information maps are available at the Hinata Yakushi bus stop (parking lot restroom entrance) and at the Vocational Development Center (rear gate parking lot, 8:30–16:00). They are in a can—please take as many copies as you need.

Takabeya Shrine Annual Festival On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the annual festival was held at Takabeya Shrine (2202 Shimokasuya, Isehara). The event opened with the “beach sand scattering,” which uses sand collected during the Shio-kumi purification ritual at Terugasaki Beach in Oiso as a substitute for purifying salt. Despite the heat, the festival became lively and energetic!

Hinata Yakushi Cluster Amaryllis (Higanbana) in Isehara 2024 *The shaded path is currently closed to through traffic due to typhoon damage* The higanbana season is finally here!! However, with this year’s lingering summer heat, peak bloom still seems a little way off. We have confirmed a few lone flowers blooming here and there in the rice fields. A temporary tourist information booth will open to coincide with the flowers’ best viewing. Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; Monday (national holiday), September 23 Location: Hinata Yakushi bus stop terminus From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the “bound for Hinata Yakushi” bus for about 20 minutes *Bus services are infrequent, so please check schedules in advance.* The rice paddies and fields where the higanbana bloom are open to the public thanks to the generosity of the landowners. Please follow proper etiquette and show your understanding and cooperation. We will post updates on the blooming status as they come in.

Takabeya Shrine Annual Festival The Takabeya Shrine (2202 Shimokasuya, Isehara) will hold its annual festival. Eve: Saturday, September 14, 2024 Main Festival: Sunday, September 15, 2024 On September 7, a “Shio-kumi” purification ritual was held to collect beach sand, seawater, and hondawara seaweed for use in the festival at Terugasaki in Oiso Town. The collected beach sand will be scattered around the shrine in the “beach sand scattering ceremony” as a substitute for cleansing salt. The seaweed will adorn the shimenawa rope at the torii gate, and the seawater will be used in prayers to prevent fires. Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station 20-minute walk From the north exit, take the bus from Platform 5 toward Aikō-Ishida Station and get off at Kasuya-Kamijuku, then walk 2 minutes. From the south exit, take the bus from Platform 4 toward Tokai University Hospital and get off at Isehara City Hall North Entrance, then walk 9 minutes. For details, see the Isehara Takagami-kai website

Notice of the 2024 "43rd Ōyama Hi-matsuri Takigi Noh" Enjoy a bewitching world lit by bonfires, with local Ōyama Kyōgen troupe and Shingyōkai presenting kyōgen plays and shimai (dance pieces). Please experience Japan’s traditional performing arts at Ōyama. Date and time: October 1 (Tuesday) and October 2 (Wednesday), 2024 Doors open 15:30, performance starts 16:30 (scheduled to end around 19:30) Venue: Noh Theater, Office of Ōyama Afuri Shrine 355 Ōyama, Isehara, Kanagawa Please note the venue is not the lower shrine. Access: From Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus platform 4 bound for Ōyama Cable Get off at "Shamukyoku Iriguchi" (Office Entrance) and walk 1 minute ★All seats are reserved ★How to apply: Office of Ōyama Afuri Shrine 0463-95-2006 (phone reservations only) For details, see the official Ōyama Afuri Shrine website

Mount Isehara Market is on! The event will go ahead in light rain and be canceled in severe weather. Enjoy a feast of delicious food and fun experiences in Isehara! Sunday, September 15, 2024, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) A full lineup of food tents and kitchen cars, locally grown vegetables for sale, and a wide variety of booths will be on site, along with stage performances to enjoy!! Access by train and bus 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit Platform 3 bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I-34 or I-36, get off at Sogo Undo Koen (General Sports Park) ▪ If you take routes I-31 or I-37, get off at Sogo Undo Koen Iriguchi (General Sports Park Entrance) and walk 5 minutes Please use public transportation as crowding is expected. Contact: by email to the Iseharaichi Executive Committee iseharaichi@j4.gmobb.jp (Contact: Sakamoto)

Notice of Suspension of the Ōyama Cable Car Service All day on Friday, August 30, 2024 and Saturday, August 31, 2024 Service will be suspended due to the effects of a typhoon. For details about operations from Sunday, September 1, 2024 onward, please check the Ōyama Cable official website.

Ōyama Afuri Shrine Autumn Grand Festival From Tuesday, August 27 to Thursday, August 29, 2024, this three-day festival gives thanks for safety on the summer mountain and announces the arrival of autumn on Ōyama, continuing a tradition of more than 150 years. On the final day, the 29th, despite typhoon conditions and rain, the shrine office led the "O-nobori"—carrying a portable shrine bearing Afuri Ōkami up the steep "Otoko-zaka" with a maximum slope of about 30 degrees to the lower shrine.

Notice of suspension of the Oyama Cable Car service Thursday, August 29, 2024, 1:00 PM – Friday, August 30, 2024 Service will be suspended due to the effects of a typhoon. *For details about operations from tomorrow onward, please check the Oyama Cable official website.

[Repeated Sightings of Asiatic Black Bears in the Hinata Area] Following the sighting on Wednesday, August 21, another Asiatic black bear was seen around noon on Friday, August 23, near the former Fureai no Mori campsite in the Hinata area. It cannot be confirmed whether this was the same individual, but all sightings occurred during daytime. Residents and visitors to the area are asked to be aware in advance. If you observe a bear or find signs of one, please contact the City Hall Agriculture Promotion Division at 0463-94-4664. [Precautions if You Encounter a Bear] 1 Do not approach and avoid making eye contact. 2 Do not shout loudly or make threatening gestures. 3 Do not feed or show food to the bear. 4 Leave the area promptly. 5 Secure doors and windows to prevent bears from entering homes and other buildings.

Call for Participants: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine “Isshin Crying Sumo” A baby graduation ceremony 👶 Crying sumo is a traditional Japanese ritual praying for babies’ health and growth. Make a once-in-a-lifetime memory—feel free to come and watch! Date: Monday, September 16 (Respect for the Aged Day) Check-in starts at 9:30 AM Venue: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) Participation fee: ¥13,000 Pay at registration on the day (Includes prayer fee, commemorative gift, and event participation fee) Eligibility: Babies from six months old with neck control up to two and a half years old Registration: Reserve via the “Isshin Crying Sumo” official website (Same-day registration available if space remains) Contact: Isshin Crying Sumo Executive Committee FAX: 078-903-5475 Email: info＠nakisumo.jp

Taiboji Jizo Bon Festival At 16:50, the “Hyakumanben Nembutsu Juzu-kuri Service,” in which everyone takes turns turning a rosary that can reach 20 meters long while offering their personal wishes, will be held. At the Jizo Bon event hosted by ISEHARA FREAKS, enjoy food stalls and a stage as everyone comes together to celebrate! Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 3:00 PM–8:30 PM Venue: Jodo Sect Senjuyama Taiboji A 7-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit

Mountain Isehara Market is on! Light rain or shine (canceled in severe weather) A stage showcase stands in the center of the General Sports Park venue Food tents, food trucks, and local vegetables for sale will be available A feast of tasty fun awaits! Sunday, August 25, 2024, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa ● Access by train and bus Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit boarding bay 3, bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I34 or I36, get off at General Sports Park ▪ If you take routes I31 or I37, get off at General Sports Park Entrance and walk 5 minutes ※ Walking from Isehara Station takes about 45 minutes ● Access by car ▪ About 30 minutes from Atsugi Interchange on the Tomei Expressway ▪ About 8 minutes from Isehara-Oyama Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway ※ Congestion is expected, so please use public transportation For details and inquiries, see the flyer. Loads of delicious food! Summer vacation is in its second half—enjoy Isehara to the fullest and ride out the hot summer!!

Ōyama Afuri Shrine Autumn Grand Festival Three days from Tuesday, August 27 to Thursday, August 29, 2024 A festival giving thanks for safety on the summer mountain and announcing the arrival of autumn on Mount Ōyama This is a festival celebrated by the parishioners of the six Ōyama districts. On the 27th there is the Senkō-sai (Descent Ceremony), on the 28th the main festival, and on the 29th the Kankō-sai (Ascent Ceremony). During the rites, wa-mai (ancient court dance) and miko dances are performed. During the Descent and Ascent, the Afuri Great Deity makes a divine procession through the mountain town. 【Location】Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, Office 【Contact】Ōyama Afuri Shrine Office TEL 0463-95-2006

[Notice of Changed Closing Hours at Hinata Yakushi Due to Typhoon] 2024 Due to the approaching typhoon Thursday, August 15 — closes at 4:00 PM Friday, August 16 — closed all day Saturday, August 17 — may be closed depending on conditions * Please check the Hinata Yakushi website for updates.

Notice: Oyama Cable Car suspended all day on Friday, August 16, 2024 Due to the approach of Typhoon No. 7, the cable car will be suspended all day on Friday, August 16, 2024. Please check the Oyama Cable Car website for further details and updates.

Hinatayakushi Hojobo Obinzuru-sama (Pindola Bharadvaja) Request for donations for repairs Please wait a little longer for the repair to be completed on Obinzuru-sama’s right hand, which is currently missing; this statue is beloved as a "nadingbutsu" said to heal illness when stroked. For donations, please speak to the temple office inside the main hall or to the kura (priests' quarters). *For details, please see the Hinatayakushi Hojobo website.*

Isehara Flower Update 2024.8.14 *Sunflower field at Kushibashi along the Odakyu Line🌻* The sunflowers in the Kushibashi area, which draw many visitors every day hoping to photograph them with the Romancecar, have bowed their heads and passed their peak. Next month, we look forward to the red spider lilies in the Hyuga area!! *Photo from past red spider lily seasons in the Hyuga area*

Notice of trail closure on Tsuzura-zaka in the Hinata area Tsuzura-zaka in the Hinata area (around the former Fureai no Mori Hinata Campground) will be closed to traffic due to construction from Monday, August 19, 2024 until around mid-December 2024. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding and cooperation.

[Notice: Preorders for “Oyama Mairi Tofu”] Produced by Yonetani Tofu Shop We are accepting preorders for one block of “Oyama Mairi Tofu” at 324 yen (tax included). Order deadline: By Friday morning before the desired pickup date Pickup: 2nd and 4th Saturdays We offer a wide selection of popular Kururin goods, local delicacies, and souvenirs. Please stop by! Isehara Station North Exit stair landing Isehara City Tourist Association Information Office (Kururin House) Business hours: 9:00–17:00 (open year-round) Tel/Fax 0463-95-5333

Sunflower Field at Kushihashi Along the Odakyu Line in Full Bloom 🌻 2024.8.5 The Vincent Orange variety has grown to about 2 m tall and is blooming vigorously under the blue sky. You can also see it from Odakyu Line trains between Isehara Station and Tsurumaki-Onsen Station. A sunflower field stretches out before you with Mt. Oyama as a backdrop. Don’t miss the chance to capture it with an Odakyu train in the frame. Please take photos from the train deck! Blow the heat away! Come see this burst of summer energy! *Be sure to take measures against heatstroke, and be careful of vehicles on the narrow farm roads.* 〈Access〉 * Bus (services are infrequent, so please check in advance.) From Tsurumaki-Onsen Station, take the Mak11 bus toward Isehara Shako for about 3 minutes and get off at Kushihashi-shita. From there it’s about a 7-minute walk (550 m); enter at the curve opposite Myozoji Temple. * 25-minute walk from Tsurumaki-Onsen Station. * By car ・About 20 minutes (8.7 km) from Shin-Tomei Atsugi-Minami IC ・About 10 minutes (4 km) from Shin-Tomei Isehara-Oyama IC

Isehara City Tourism Association Bus Tour Participants Wanted A social learning tour to Ibaraki visiting Japan Heritage Ushiku Chateau, Ushiku Dabutsu, Kirin Beer Toride Brewery and more Enjoy exclusive experiences at wineries and factories We look forward to your participation!! ◆Date and Time◆ Wednesday, September 4, 2024 【Meet 6:50 AM, Disband 6:00 PM (scheduled)】 ◆Meeting Place◆ In front of Isehara Station North Exit municipal parking lot ◆Participation Fee◆ General: ¥12,000; Association members: ¥11,000 (Includes lunch and insurance) ◆Number of Participants◆ First 40 applicants (Minimum number to hold: 30 people) ◆How to Apply / Inquiries◆ Isehara City Tourism Association Phone registration: 0463-73-7373 Application deadline: Friday, August 30 (Weekdays 8:30 AM–5:00 PM) ※For details, please see the Isehara City Tourism Association website.

[Internship Activity Diary] Nice to meet you. My name is Uehara, and I have been taking part in an internship since August 1st. I have been guided around Isehara City every day, and I am starting to feel the charm of Isehara more and more. Yesterday I visited Koma Sando, which leads up to Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. Although I grew tired on the stairs along the way, the waterfalls and shaded trees gave me a pleasantly cool summer relief.🍃 At Kanekoya, now the only shop that makes Oyama koma, I found an array of vivid, variously sized Oyama koma that stopped me in my tracks. I would love to see them making them someday.✨ Today I toured Isehara City from east to west. At Kashiwagi Farm I peeked into the cowshed and found the cows, melting in the heat, oddly endearing.🐄 I visited Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, which has a wooden torii gate and a large harae chigaya ring, creating a lovely atmosphere. Finally, I went to see the sunflower field visible from along the Odakyu Line. Now that it is August and the heat has increased, it felt like a true summer moment.🌻 Why not drive around and experience summer in Isehara City yourself? While taking care in the heat, I will also help out at the Setagaya Furusato Residents Festival tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support!

[2024 Season Shonan Bellmare Isehara Hometown Day] Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 From 3:00 PM until the match starts at the Isehara booth The following vendors are scheduled to appear: ・Oyama specialty Suzuki chili peppers ・Fresh, juicy vegetables from Katano Facility Horticulture ・Pocokoko’s wildly popular crepes Bring your family and friends and come join us! Residents of Isehara City can purchase a special “Hometown Day Ticket” Back A Reserved Seat ¥500 (regular general same-day price ¥2,500) Kickoff: 7:00 PM Venue: Lemon Gas Stadium Hiratsuka Opponent: Avispa Fukuoka Ticket purchase: via the Shonan Bellmare official ticket purchase page You can buy tickets from the “Belchike” web site. *For details, please see the Shonan Bellmare official website.

Oyama Paper Lantern Festival Find the Yokai Tofu Boy! Stamp Rally Featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan A dazzling showcase of light with premium night views from Oyama and a roughly 3 km corridor of illuminated paper lanterns!! Date and Time: Saturday, August 10–Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from sunset to 8:30 PM Location: Oyama Shindo, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture – around Oyama Station bus stop to Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, take Kanachu Bus platform 4 bound for Oyama Cable Using the map on the back of the flyer, collect tofu boy stamps hidden among the illustrated paper lanterns! Receive prizes based on the number of stamps collected. * Four red stamps: juice (redeemable only at Sanshuden) * Eight red and blue stamps: mini spinning top or cable car paper craft Prize redemption (4:00 PM–8:00 PM): Shimizuya, Oyama Tourist Information Center, Oyama Cable Station, Sanshuden * One entry card per person; each prize can be redeemed once only. From Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 18, ride the Oyama Cable Car lit along the line (night service hours: sunset to 8:30 PM) for a magical experience! Contact: Paper Lantern Committee 090-2322-6599

Oyama Mountain Accident Prevention Campaign Saturday, August 10, 2024, 9:00–11:00 Under the slogan “Enjoy hiking safely,” this campaign, organized by the Isehara Police Station, raises awareness about safety measures during mountain climbs and the importance of submitting a climbing registration form Three members of the prefectural Ishida High School mountaineering club will be appointed as one-day mountain rescue team members! Program: Mountain rescue demonstration Summer mountain safety prayers and more Venue: On the grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine 355 Oyama, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, take bus stop No. 4 “for Oyama Cable” about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop, then a 6-minute cable car ride With the cooperation of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., the first 100 visitors (one item per person) will receive an in-bar protein “Zaku Zaku Chocolate” as a gift! Please join us.

[Bon Odori and Commerce Festival Postponed to the 11th in Case of Rain] Koyasu Shrine, which just celebrated the completion of its shrine office, held a ritual to mark the occasion. Enjoy a range of events starting with traditional Bon Odori, plus a free ice distribution during Ice Time. Why not take a break and forget this heat for a while? Saturday, August 10, 2024, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM Venue: Ishida Koyasu Shrine Ishida 707, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture About a 5-minute walk from Aikou-Ishida Station South Exit 3:00 PM – Food stalls, street performances, Aoi Nagasawa live, and dance Band performances, hula dance, raffle and more 6:40 PM–9:00 PM Bon Odori 7:30 PM Ice Time (free distribution)

[Free Participation] LINE Puzzle Event “The Lost Osametachi” Osametachi is a traditional Isehara cultural heritage recognized as part of Japan’s cultural patrimony. Explore the history of Oyama through a puzzle hunt, find the Osametachi by clearing the puzzles, and receive an original Oyama Afuri Shrine achievement certificate!! Period: Through Monday, September 30, 2024 Participation Fee: Free Estimated Time: About 2 hours (depending on hiking pace) How to Join: From the flyer QR code Access to Oyama From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for the Oyama Cable (routes I10, I11, I12) and get off at the final stop (about 30 minutes) Organizer: Isehara Plus Project WonderSpace Co., Ltd. Contact: Isehara Plus Project Representative Aoki: 090-6112-4303