This view is from Nagatoro Bridge at Shosenkyo Gorge. Hello, this is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association. From the "oldest concrete bridge in Yamanashi" you can look out over the ravine of Shosenkyo. Crossing this bridge at the entrance to Shosenkyo might make your heart race with the thought, “At last, Shosenkyo!” 😊 Please come and visit Shosenkyo during spring break. The Mitsuba azaleas along the gorge’s promenade should be in full bloom. We will announce updates via social media. Look forward to it 🙂 Date photographed: 2024/3/4

Nice to meet everyone who watches COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Doshi Village Tourism Association. The Minamitsuru-gun Doshi Village of Yamanashi Prefecture attracts visitors to visit with its abundant nature, Clear water, and pleasant tranquility. In the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will tell you the wonderfulness of Doshi Village to the fullest, so please take a look. △▼△What is Yamanashi Prefecture Minamitsuru-gun Doshi Village? △▼△ Yamanashi Prefecture Minamitsuru-gun Doshi Village is a village in the southeastern part of Yamanashi Prefecture and is the easternmost village in Yamanashi Prefecture. The Doshi River flows through the central part of the village, which is blessed with abundant water sources. The population is about 1,500 as of 2024. Since you can come into contact with the great nature of Doshi Village with good access in less than 2 hours from the city center, many campers visit due to the camping boom in recent years. △▼△Enjoy camping in Doshi Village△▼△ Doshi Village has many campsites mainly along the Doshi River, and is also called a sacred place for camping. 　There are many recommended campsites that cannot be described here, such as camping while enjoying mountain stream fishing and playing in the Doshi River, calm and moist camping in the forest, and private camping for various groups. Why don't you find your favorite campsite? △▼△Introduction to sightseeing spots in Doshi Village△▼△ Campgrounds are not the only tourist attractions you can enjoy in Doshi Village. Refresh your mind and body in the great nature of Doshi Village. 【Mt. Omuro】 Mt. Omuro, which is 1588 meters above sea level, has been selected as one of the Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains. Located on the border with Kanagawa Prefecture, you can experience the fresh greenery of spring, autumn leaves, and the beauty of nature in all four seasons. 【Mt. Mishotai】 Doshi Village's highest Mt. Mishotai has also been selected as one of the Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains. From the southern slope of the summit, you can see the majestic Mt. Fuji. 【Roadside Station Doshi】 Located along Route 413, Roadside Station Doshi is a place where you can buy fresh vegetables and specialty products from Doshi Village. It is recommended for looking for Souvenirs when sightseeing in Doshi Village. [Doshi River Hot Spring Beni Tsubaki no Yu] It is a hot spring facility that you can enjoy surrounded by nature. Not only guests staying at the lodging, but also day-trip hot springs can be enjoyed, so why not stop by on your way back from mountain climbing or camping? 【Kubo's Suspension Bridge】 The "Kubo Suspension Bridge" at the trailhead of Mt. Omuro is a suspension bridge with a total length of 71 meters and a height of 34 meters. It is located along the national highway, so you can easily stop by on the way to the drive. △▼△Doshi Village's specialties and local gourmet food△▼△ 【Watercress】 Watercress, which grows in the clear water of Doshi Village, is known for its freshness and flavor. Boasting one of the highest shipment volumes in Japan, you can enjoy it in a variety of dishes such as salads and tossed dishes. △▼△Doshi Village events and festivals△▼△ 【Doshi Valley Mountain Vegetable Festival】 The "Doshi Valley Mountain Vegetable Festival" is held every spring at "Roadside Station Doshi" where you can enjoy wild vegetables of Doshi Village's specialty products. Tempura with wild vegetables and salt-grilled Rice cooked with wild vegetables sweetfish will be on sale, and a tempura-making experience will also be held Udon noodles. △▼△Activities you can enjoy in Doshi Village△▼△ In Doshi Village, you can enjoy various activities as well as camping. There are many spots such as "mountain stream fishing", "Fly fishing", "hiking", and "Minamoto Experience Hall" that will satisfy everyone from adults to children. △▼△Enjoy sightseeing in Doshi Village△▼△ Experience the beauty of nature, the tranquility of nature in Doshi Village! Doshi Village is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and seek peace of mind. We look forward to seeing you in Doshi Village! We will continue to send out the latest information and recommended information about Doshi Village, so thank you.

Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association. Shosenkyo in Yamanashi Prefecture, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the nation, has long been celebrated as Japan’s most beautiful gorge, sculpted by nature over the ages. We introduce the artistic splendor of Shosenkyo, worthy of being called a natural masterpiece, in a Cool Japan video. What is Mitake Shosenkyo? Mitake Shosenkyo is a roughly 5-kilometer gorge in the northern part of Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature. If you come by car, it’s about 40 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Kofu Showa IC. By train, take a bus or taxi from the south exit of Kofu Station for about 30 to 45 minutes. The natural forms shaped over long ages continue to captivate many visitors. With its scattered strange rocks and stones and seasonal beauty, this place makes you want to return time and again. In spring, stroll the promenade surrounded by fresh greenery; in summer, enjoy activities like canoeing on the reservoir; and in autumn, admire the gorge dyed bright red with fall foliage. History of Mitake Shosenkyo Mitake Shosenkyo was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1923 and upgraded to a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953. Together with Teishaku Gorge (Hiroshima Prefecture), Nagato Gorge (Yamaguchi Prefecture), Goukei Gorge (Okayama Prefecture), and Bed of Sleep (Nagano Prefecture), it is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges. Highlights of Shosenkyo • Kakuen Peak Kakuen Peak, the highest peak among the Shosenkyo ranges, stands as the symbol of Shosenkyo. The name comes from the monk Kakuen, who once practiced ascetic training on the roughly tatami-sized summit. • Senga Falls Senga Falls lies at the base of Kakuen Peak at the far end of the Arakawa that flows through Shosenkyo. With a dramatic 30-meter drop and vehicle access, it’s a popular spot. • Shosenkyo Promenade This approximately 4.5-kilometer promenade lets visitors enjoy the gorge’s seasonal beauty and was ranked first in the gorge category of the National Top 100 Tourist Spots. • Stone Gate Stone Gate is a gigantic natural granite arch formed by the power of nature. Located on the promenade, it cannot be reached by car. • Nagatoro Bridge This historic bridge, built in 1925 at the entrance to Shosenkyo, is designated a modern civil engineering heritage as the oldest surviving concrete arch road bridge. • Tenkorin At Tenkorin along the promenade, stomping your feet produces a mysterious sound like a drumbeat. This is said to be the echo from underground cavities carved by the stream. • Numerous strange rocks and stones Along the promenade you can find many named rock formations, including Fur seal rock, Daibutsu Rock, Kansan Jade Rock, Floating Rock, Cannon Rock, Tofu Rock, Monkey Rock, Camel Rock, Mt. Fuji Rock, Bear Rock, Cat Rock, and Matsutake Rock. Be sure to look for them on foot. • Arakawa Dam The majestic dam spreading across the valley of Oku-Shosenkyo is a multipurpose structure aimed at flood control and other uses for the Arakawa riverside region. • Shosenkyo Ropeway The ropeway’s gondola takes about five minutes one way to the summit, offering sweeping views of the gorge below. From the ropeway summit you can enjoy panoramic views that include Mount Fuji. Shosenkyo’s crystals Shosenkyo is also famous as a sacred place for crystals. On Mt. Kinpu in the Shosenkyo area, several crystal mines once operated actively in the Meiji era. Skilled polishing and processing of crystals attracted minerals from around the world, and today shops displaying and selling precious gemstones and mineral specimens line the area. Shosenkyo cuisine Local specialties using the clear streams of Shosenkyo—such as somen noodles, soba, and Koshu houtou—are popular. Many restaurants serve regional gourmet dishes and local cuisine featuring abundant Yamanashi ingredients. Enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery shaped by nature at Shosenkyo, one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s most popular tourist destinations! As a treasure trove of power spots, it might lift your luck as well. Cool Japan Video will continue to release footage of Shosenkyo’s charms and its beautiful seasonal scenery. Thank you for your attention!

NICE TO MEET EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Nirasaki Tourism Association. Nirasaki City in Yamanashi Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Yamanashi Prefecture and is an area full of rich nature and deep history. In this First Post, we will introduce plenty of attractions such as sightseeing spots and event information in Nirasaki City! ◆❖◇What is Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture? ◇❖◆ Nirasaki City is a city with a population of about 28,000. With famous peaks such as Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake, and the Southern Alps in the background, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons, and it is also known as the birthplace of the Kai Takeda Family. In addition to fruits such as grapes and peaches grown in the land rich in nature, the mellow aroma and flavorful wine are also exquisite! Nirasaki City Yamanashi Prefecture is very convenient to access from central Tokyo, and you can easily visit it on a day trip. [Access by train] Shinjuku Station - Nirasaki Station JR Chuo Main Line Limited Express Azusa Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Matsumoto Station - Nirasaki Station JR Chuo Main Line Limited Express Azusa Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes [Access by car] Chofu IC - Nirasaki IC Chuo Expressway about 1 hour 30 minutes Nagoya IC - Nirasaki IC Chuo Automobile Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes ◆ ❖ ◇ 6 recommended sightseeing spots of "Nirasaki", a town with a view of Mt. Fuji ◇ ❖ ◆ 【Mt. Amari】 The Mt. Amari in Minami-Alps UNESCO Eco Park has been selected as one of the Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains. The parking lot is about a 30-minute walk to the summit, so you can easily enjoy climbing and hiking. The view from the top is spectacular, and if the conditions are right, you can see Mt. Fuji floating in a sea of clouds. Don't miss the Astragalus azaleas, which bloom around the beginning of June! 【Crocodile Mound Sakura】 The 330-year-old Ipponzakura tree that blooms on the alligator mound was designated as a natural monument of Nirasaki City in the first year of Heisei. In the background of the towering cherry blossom trees, you can overlook Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake, and it is also popular as a photo spot. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they are lit up and you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere. 【Takeda Hachimangu】 Takeda Hachimangu Shrine was founded in 822 AD and is associated with the Kai Takeda Family. The Main Shrine was rebuilt by Lord Takeda Shingen and is also an important cultural property of Japan. 【Nirasaki Omura Memorial Park】 At Omura Memorial Park, you can experience art at the Nirasaki Omura Museum of Art, where paintings and ceramics collected by Dr. Satoshi Omura, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, are exhibited, enjoy cooking at the soba restaurant, refresh your mind and body at the hot spring for a day trip, and deepen your learning and interaction with people at the Hakuyuki Dormitory. Please spend a meaningful time with the scenic scenery that changes its expression with the seasons. 【Ruins of Shinpu Castle】 The ruins of Ruins of Shinpu Castle were built by Prince Takeda Katsuyori in 1581 on the plateau of Shichiri Rock. The Ruins of the Castle was set on fire by the Oda and Tokugawa forces 68 days after its construction, but it is a castle ruin that conveys the culmination of the Takeda family to this day. From the Ruins of the Castle, you can see a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake, and around the beginning of April, the whole area blooms like a pink carpet, and Shinpu Momogengo is a superb view! 【Kayagatake】 The final resting place of Hisaya Fukada, the author of "Japan's 100 Famous Mountains". From the summit of the mountain, which is about 1704 meters above sea level, you can overlook a 360-degree panorama of Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake. Because the mountain looks very similar to Yatsugatake, it is nicknamed "fake eight". ◆❖◇Events and festivals in Nirasaki City◇❖◆ 【Fukada Festival】 In addition to being active in the literary world such as numerous mountain books, novels, and travelogues such as "Japan's 100 Famous Mountains", this event will be held at Kayagatake, the final place of the mountaineer "Hisaya Fukada", who left a great mark on the Japanese mountain world. At the Fukada Festival, a memorial ceremony and a commemorative mountain climb are held every year to commemorate his legacy. 【Summer Illumination in Nirasaki】 The Ministry of Education's anthem "Tanabata-sama" begins with "Sasa-no-ha, Sarasara, Kiba-ni, sway...". The poet who wrote the Tanabata in a nursery rhyme is "Hanayo Gondo" from Nirasaki City. In Nirasaki City, as the birthplace of Hanayo Gondo, illuminations and Tanabata decorations inspired by Tanabata are held every summer. 【Memorial service for fallen Takeda warriors, Fireworks display in Narasaki, Takeda no Sato】 Approximately 6,600 fireworks, including star mines, will be launched in the night sky of the main venue, Kamanashigawa River Park. Many food stalls are also lined up at the venue to liven up the festivals. 【Illumination in Nirasaki】 Approximately 60,000 bulbs of light, including a 7-meter-high tree, heart-shaped objects, and illuminations with the motif of cherry blossoms on an alligator mound in full bloom, vividly color the Nirasaki Station Square. ◆❖◇Other recommended information in Nirasaki City◇❖◆ Furusato Nozei in Nirasaki City offers fruity wine made from 100% Nirasaki grapes, Koshu whiskey recommended for highballs, and fruits such as fresh peaches and grapes as thank-you gifts. Taste the gourmet food of Nirasaki. Nirasaki City is full of rich nature, deep history, delicious specialty products, and heartwarming events. Come and take a trip to make new discoveries and memories in Nirasaki City! We look forward to seeing you there. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will continue to provide recommended information on Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, so please follow us!

Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Kanagawa Prefecture! 【Azumayama Park】 A scenic park famous for its "early-blooming rape blossoms" Located in Ninomiya Town, Azumayama Park is a scenic spot overlooking the majestic Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. In January ~ February, about 60,000 "early-blooming rape flowers" are in full bloom, and the slopes near the summit are covered with a yellow carpet. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the summit. There are several courses, but if you are a first-timer, we recommend the "Town Hall Exit Course", which is the closest to Ninomiya Station. The path with the sunlight shining through the trees is comfortable, and you can have a picnic on the lawn at the top of the mountain, and a peaceful time is flowing. In addition, the famous long slide with a total length of 102m is very popular with children! In late March, it's a spectacular coaster that runs through a tunnel of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Azaleas, hydrangeas, cosmos, etc., it is a park where you can enjoy the rich colors of each season. ■ Basic Information 【Address】Ninomiya-cho, Naka-gun, Kanagawa Phone number: 0463-72-3611 【Access】 About a 5-minute walk from the north exit of JR Ninomiya Station

This is the Minami-Alps City Tourism Association. We will share lots of appealing information about Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, through Cool Japan Video. ◇What is Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture?◇ Minami-Alps City covers about 5.9 percent of Yamanashi Prefecture and has a population of around 70,000. Located in the western part of Yamanashi, the city sits embraced by the majestic Southern Alps. In 2003, six towns and villages—Hatta Village, Shiranecho, Ashiyasu Village, Wakakusa-cho, Kushigata Town, and Kosei Town—merged to form Minami-Alps City. In 2014, the entire city was designated the Minami-Alps UNESCO Eco Park. The Southern Alps surrounding Minami-Alps City span Nagano, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka prefectures and form Japan’s largest mountain range. It includes 3,000-meter peaks loved by climbers, such as MtKitadake, Senjogetake, Houou Sanzan, and Kai-komagatake. ◇Tourist attractions in Minami-Alps City◇ ・Ecopa Inagako Located on the slopes of MtKushigata, Ecopa Inagako offers nature classes, the Forest Science Museum, camping and BBQ facilities, and other hands-on experiences. It is a popular spot for families to enjoy time in nature. ・Yukyari no Sato Juen Yukyari no Sato Juen is a multi-purpose facility that features 100% natural hot spring baths, accommodations, barbecue areas, and tennis courts. It also serves as a base for mountain climbing. ・Roadside Station Shirane Farm Products Direct Sales Market Renovated in April 2023, the spacious market offers a relaxed shopping experience. Visitors can buy fresh local fruits, vegetables, and specialty products, making it a popular destination for people from inside and outside the prefecture. ・Yashagami Pass This pass at the southern end of the Houou Sanzan offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps. You can reach the pass in about an hour, making it suitable for family hikes. ◇Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minami-Alps City◇ Minami-Alps City is known for abundant fruit production, including cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, persimmons, kiwifruit, and Shine Muscat grapes. When these fruits are in season, you can enjoy fruit picking at orchards across the city. Cherry picking and Shine Muscat harvest experiences are especially popular with families and couples. These fruits are also popular choices for hometown tax return gifts. ◇Rich nature and hot springs in Minami-Alps City◇ The city offers seasonal natural beauty and plentiful hot spring resources. You will find many hot spring facilities, from day-use baths to hotels and ryokan, catering to a wide range of needs. Please take time to refresh your body and mind in the hot springs. Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is filled with rich nature and delicious local products that create lasting memories for visitors. We look forward to welcoming you to Minami-Alps City. Stay tuned to Cool Japan Video for recommended information about Minami-Alps City!

Himenosawa Park Himenosawa Park, a famed flower spot in Atami, overflows with seasonal blooms all year round. It is a natural park where you can also enjoy a full-fledged adventure playground. About 600 species of plants grow within the park. In an environment that feels like a botanical garden, flowering trees such as azaleas and a variety of wildflowers burst into bloom. (The photo shows azaleas that bloom from late April to early May.) About a 90-minute trek from Himenosawa Park will take you to Jukkoku Pass, allowing you to fully enjoy nature on the way. Please enjoy the moving floral scenes to your heart’s content, where flowers welcome you whenever you visit. Address / 1164 Himenosawa, Izu-san, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0002 Telephone / 0557-83-5301 (Himenosawa Park Management Office) Access / From JR atami station, take a bus bound for the Motohakone area for about 30 minutes and get off at Himenosawa Park Admission / Free Parking / Free (Sazanka Parking: 46 passenger cars, 3 buses) and others

Jukkokutoge (Jukkoku Pass) Jukkoku Pass is said to have gotten its name because, long ago, you could see ten provinces—Izu, Sagami, Suruga, Tōtōmi, Kai, Awa, Kazusa, Shimōsa, Musashi, Shinano—and five islands (Ōshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Toshima). From the summit of Mt. Hikaneyama, you can look north to Mt. Fuji, west to Suruga Bay, and east to Sagami Bay. Over the years many artists have tried to capture this panorama with a brush, but tradition says the scale and beauty defeated them. A cable car runs to and from the summit. You can also reach it by trekking from Himenosawa Park in about an hour and a half, enjoying the natural surroundings. In spring azaleas bloom in profusion, summer brings a pleasant cool breeze, autumn waves fields of silver grass, and winter welcomes you with the warm sunshine of the highlands. ※The “Sky Dog Run” reopened on November 11, 2023! Address / 1400-20 Kuwahara, Kannami, Tagata District, Shizuoka Prefecture 419-0101 Phone / 0557-81-6895 (Jukkokutoge Cable Car) Access / From JR atami station, take the bus bound for the Motohakone area for about 40 minutes and get off at “Jukkokutoge Noboriguchi.” Hours / Cable car 9:00–17:00 (runs every 15 minutes; one-way trip about 3 minutes) Open year-round. Temporary closures may occur for maintenance, weather, or public circumstances. Fares / Round-trip cable car: adults (junior high school and older) 730 yen; children 370 yen ※Dogs are allowed (leash required; 300 yen round trip per dog) Parking / 320 spaces; 22 large-vehicle spaces (free)

The bottle is a sunset scene from the top of the forest Ehime Prefecture. The silhouette on the right side of the photo is a shrine at the top of the mountain. On the front of the shrine is written "Ishidoyama Daigongen Women's Path", and inside the shrine is Ishido Kongo Zao Daigongen. The mountain you can see in front of you is Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Shikoku. In the majestic nature, the mind is cleansed and you feel reverent. It is an ancient mountain worship and the original scenery of Japan that we want to preserve for the future.

【Ninomiya Town】 The 20th Azuma Wild Vegetable Flower Watching At the summit of Mt. Azuma, 60,000 early-blooming rape flowers are in full bloom from late December. You can see the panoramic Tanzawa, the mountains of Hakone, Sagami Bay, the Izu Peninsula, and when the weather is favorable, the beautiful white Mt. Fuji spreads out in front of you. At this time of the new year, please take a look at the beautiful scenery that will remain in your heart in yellow, light blue, and white. During the period, events such as stamp rallies and receipt rallies, hiking from the station, and sales of local products are held on weekends. A 5-minute walk from Ninomiya Station to the entrance and a 20-minute walk from the entrance to the summit! You can easily enjoy ♪ hiking We look forward to seeing you there. 【Period】January 13 Sat ~ February 18 Sun in Reiwa 6 Place: Azumayama Park 【Opening Hours】8:30~17:00 【Organizer】Ninomiya Town Tourism Association 【Co-organizer】Ninomiya Town 【Support】Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Association 【Contact】Ninomiya Town Tourism Association 0463-73-1208 9:00~17:00

I was very satisfied to see the Hatanagi Suspension Bridge, which is about a 40-minute walk from the Hatanagi Dam in Shizuoka Prefecture, and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves as shown in the photo.

Ushimado Shrine in Ushimado, Okayama Prefecture At the entrance, the coast spreads out, It was beautiful and mysterious with a long staircase to reach the shrine, and there was 😌 a green tunnel and a torii gate on the way

A primeval beech forest in Oyama in Tottori Prefecture. Every year in late October, the autumn leaves begin and it is very beautiful.

It is a large mountain in Tottori Prefecture, with an altitude of 1729 m. The autumn leaves spreading under the wild south wall are beautiful. The view from Kagikake Pass on the Hiruyama Daisen Skyline is wonderful.

Katsuoji Temple / Minoh Katsuoji Temple, which is famous for its "Victory Daruma", was even more crowded with tourists as the autumn foliage season began. This is one of the photos I took at Katsuoji. This is the most confident photo I took on my first outing in a long time! By the way, Katsuoji Temple is crowded with tourists around noon, so considering the cold, I think it's just right to arrive around 2 o'clock in the afternoon!

This is one of the large and small mountains in Ashikaga City, where the weather is good and the best climbing days were taken! It was late October, so the leaves were ✨ about to turn After all, I realized that Japan is rich in nature!

Expo Commemorative Park / Osaka In the large flower field, various flowers were in full bloom, from the kochia and cosmos in this photo to the slightly rare red buckwheat flowers! It was very beautiful, and in addition to the flower garden, you can also enjoy soft serve ice cream and coffee in the beautiful and vast square! Why don't you visit 😌 now during the holiday season? Admission: 260 yen for adults, 80 yen for elementary and junior high school students

Last weekend of October I was wondering where to go, so I went to Kamikochi. This view was waiting for me when I arrived at 5 am by express bus on Friday night. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the sunrise, but in the fantastic fog, the Hotaka mountain range gave us a glimpse of our faces.

The carpet of the gods of Mount Kurikoma It was said that it was not good this year, but not at all It was so beautiful that I was impressed, and I enjoyed it for 6 hours until I climbed up and down. There are several climbing routes, but the one that is easier from the Miyagi Prefecture side is the central route. The other Higashikurikoma route will be muddy, so be careful.

This photo was taken in November at Mt. Eboshi in the Central Alps. When I looked up, the leaves were dyed colorfully and it was stunning. I love autumn when you can put various colors in one frame with just the leaves.

It is Mt. Eboshidake in the Central Alps in November. It is a satoyama that can be easily climbed, but the autumn leaves are splendid. The leaves were dyed autumn colors all over the place, so it was difficult to cut out the frame, but I am satisfied that I was able to finish the photo with a symmetry that makes use of the straight lines of the trees. I would be happy if I could beautifully capture the shapes created by nature!

Autumn leaves from the mine road, which is a mountain trail to Mt. Sekikuradake in the Northern Alps. The autumn leaves of the Northern Alps are famous, but I personally think that Mt. Yukikura is more beautiful in color! The autumn leaves that glow in the backlight are my favorite natural color.

Autumn leaves from the mine road, which is a mountain trail to Mt. Sekikuradake in the Northern Alps. The autumn leaves of the Northern Alps are famous, but I personally think that Mt. Yukikura is more beautiful in color! The diagonal shadows were lovely.

This is a photo from near the summit of Mt. Asahi in the Northern Alps in autumn. The plants and trees were colored by the morning sun, and a fantastic scenery could be seen. When you butterfly flower it, the scenery changes all at once!

This is the morning sun seen from the summit of Mt. Asahi in the Northern Alps in autumn. The color of the nature under my feet illuminated by the morning sun was wonderful. Autumn plants go well with the morning sun and sunset.

It is a view of Yuhigaoka located just off the Asahidake hut in the Northern Alps. Since it is a place where people rarely come, you can see this superb view by charter. I was impressed by the scenery with an overseas feeling.

It was when I climbed Mt. Asahi in the Northern Alps. When I looked at the map after arriving at the tent site, there was a place with a nice name called Yuhigaoka, so I stretched my legs. It was a wonderful sight that could not be defeated by the name.

I took this photo in Mt. Tsubame in early autumn. The round ball water droplets were cute and I took a close-up picture. I also like the fact that only one leaf is red. The color is Fujifilm's ClassicNega.

It was when I climbed Umbrella Mountain in the Central Alps of Nagano Prefecture in November. I was gassing until the last minute, but suddenly the sun came out and showed me a fantastic scene.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Iwanai Tourism Association. We bring you travel and event information about Iwanai-cho, Hokkaido, facing the Sea of Japan. For our first post, we’ll introduce Iwanai-cho and its sightseeing spots! Iwanai-cho sits on Hokkaido’s west coast and is famous as the birthplace of asparagus. The town’s name is said to come from the Ainu words iwau meaning sulfur and nai meaning river. The population is 11,173 (as of the end of August, Reiwa 5). Because it faces the Sea of Japan, winters are severe, but it is relatively mild compared with other parts of Hokkaido. Average summer temperatures reach around 25°C, with highs near 32°C. Winter brings snowy scenery that is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Iwanai-cho pumps up deep seawater from the Sea of Japan and uses it in local industry. At the Iwanai Deep Sea Water Facility (the local industry support center) in town, residents and visitors can purchase deep seawater. This mineral-rich deep seawater is also excellent for cooking. Iwanai-cho offers stunning natural surroundings and historical sites where you can enjoy a wonderful time. Here are some of Iwanai-cho’s most attractive sightseeing spots! Along the Doudou Iwanai Port Line, Roadside Station Iwanai and the product information center Taramaru-kan provide tourist information about Iwanai-cho. Please use them as a reference for sightseeing. Local specialties such as tarako and kazunoko, plus taramaru goods, are also on sale. Kikoin Temple lets you experience Japanese culture and is the oldest temple in Iwanai-cho. Its wooden Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaf and standing 6.8 meters high, is designated Iwanai Town Tangible Cultural Property No. 1 and is truly impressive. Kikoin is about a 10-minute walk from Roadside Station Iwanai. Maruyama Observatory, at the foot of Mount Iwanai, is a recognized Japan Nightscape Heritage site and a must-see attraction. It’s beautiful by day, and the sunset and night views are especially recommended. You get a panoramic view over Iwanai-cho and the Kaitan Peninsula. Iwanai also hosts the Kida Kinjiro Museum of Art, dedicated to Nihonga painter Kinjiro Kida, who spent his life here. Enjoy Kida’s works arranged by period. The museum also stages exhibitions by other artists and concerts. Outdoor fans can enjoy hiking, camping, and many nature-rich spots. ■ Camping / Iwanai Auto Campsite Marine View This campsite features a vast lawn and offers cottages, RV sites, car sites, and free tent sites to suit different needs. The center house has showers, a shop, laundry, a library, and a meeting room. ■ Hiking / Mount Iwanai and Mt. Raiden Mount Iwanai, which continues from Iwanai Auto Campsite, rises to 1,086 m and is the Niseko range’s easternmost peak on the Sea of Japan side. Iwanai Onsen and nearby ski areas make good rest and recreation spots. Next to it stands Mt. Raiden at 1,211 m. In spring, alpine plants color the slopes, offering a delightful trail experience surrounded by nature. ■ Rental cycles / Kikoin Temple Exploring Iwanai-cho’s scenic spots by bicycle is recommended. Kikoin offers free rental bicycles. The rental desk is at the temple office, so please visit if you wish to borrow one. Iwanai-cho has a wide range of comfortable accommodations to meet travelers’ needs. Choose from hotels, guesthouses, or campsites to suit your trip to Iwanai. Various events and festivals are held in Iwanai-cho. The summer Iwanai Doto Festival fireworks display lights up Iwanai Port with 5,000 shells reflecting on the water for a spectacular show. Stage events and food trucks add to the gourmet offerings. (Contents from the August 2023 event) Finally, here is information on hometown tax donation gifts packed with Iwanai specialties. We offer a variety of local products as return gifts. Popular gifts include salted kazunoko, a special roast chicken, and the Kurashima Milk cheese and butter set! Tarako and nishin-meshi are also highly recommended. This time we shared part of the charm of Iwanai-cho, Hokkaido! Please visit Iwanai-cho and enjoy a special time. We look forward to your continued support!