This is the departure ceremony of the Kawagoe clan arquebus.

2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest Announcement! We are holding the "2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest" again this year! 🌳 We are accepting photos that can be used for tourism posters, pamphlets, and similar materials. The application period is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025. We look forward to your submissions! For details and the entry form, please visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association official website or see the second image. The forms are also available at the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center, so feel free to stop by ✨

This is a photo of a cat's interior goods at a café in Sanrazaka-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Use the lights in the store, I expressed "a cat in the twilight of the sunset". According to the owner, it is a work made by an iron craftsman in Miyoshi City. "I like the view from behind, but I can't take a good picture," the owner said. Squid was able to take this photo ☺️ when I was trying to figure out how to capture it well The thinness of the limbs and neck, as well as the symmetrical ears, convey that the iron craftsmen are carefully and thoughtfully made. The skills of Japan craftsmen. I thought it was cool! ✨ It is also a wonderful memory ☺️ that I was able to share my impression with the owner in this photo

[Event Notice] 📍 Izanami Village, Okinawa Prefecture Reiwa 7 Public Cleansing Festival (ku-jinushimii) — Once a year, the Tamaguden, which is unlocked only on this day, can be viewed ✨ Date and Time: Thursday, April 3, Reiwa 7 (10:00 AM) Location: Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property Tamaguden Organizer: Izanami Village The public may participate, so you can witness this valuable ceremony and see inside the Tamaguden, which is unlocked only once a year. https://www.izena-kanko.jp/detail.jsp?type=TopicsTopPage&id=104381&funcid=2&editMode=...

📢 Happening this weekend! [#Isehara Cultural Heritage Festa 2025 Spring 🌸] A treasure of Isehara ✨ Enjoy a luxurious event where you can actually experience many intangible folk cultural properties! Dive into the world of Noh with the "#Ooyama Noh" Noh workshop, try on rare masks and practice sliding-footwork techniques, lose yourself in the beautiful sounds of the "#Nagauta #Hayashi (yokobue)" concert and dance demonstrations 🎶, and have fun watching and spinning at the "#Ooyama Koma" top-spinning experience 🪅—and much more! Why not experience Isehara’s rich cultural heritage through a variety of traditional performing arts and crafts? 😊 🗓️ Date and time: Sunday, March 23, 10:00–16:00 ※For each booth’s detailed schedule, see the site below 📍 Venue: Isehara City Central Community Center, 2nd floor Recreation Room 🚶 Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit 💰 Admission: Free 📝 Registration: Not required Organizer: Isehara City Council for the Preservation and Utilization of Local Cultural Properties 📞 Inquiries: Isehara City Board of Education, Education Administration Division (0463-74-5109) Check booth times and other details here 👇 https://www.city.isehara.kanagawa.jp/bunkazai/docs/2025022100031/... #Isehara #Cultural Heritage #Intangible Folk Cultural Properties #Traditional Performing Arts #Traditional Techniques #Hands-on Event #Free Event #Weekend Event #Family-friendly #Spring Event #Ooyama

Toyooka City, Hyogo It was cold at Kinosaki Onsen Self

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture You can experience various villages and various experiences while feeling like a Satoyama while in the city Aina Satoyama Park

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture You can experience various villages and various experiences while feeling like a Satoyama while in the city Aina Satoyama Park

🚴‍♂️Tour de Yatsugatake 2025🚴‍♂️ Thank you very much for all your entries🙇🏻‍♀️ The entry deadline for Tour de Yatsugatake is tomorrow, the 16th❗️ We are still accepting entries, so if you haven't signed up yet, please hurry🚴‍♂️💨 The secretariat is based at Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen. *Entries are accepted via the QR code on the second page!*

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

Announcement: Reservations Open for Komadeike Campground The cold days continue, but spring is just around the corner. Today reservations opened for Komadeike Campground, a campsite in Sakuhomachi. Reservations are currently accepted through the end of May, a brilliant time to see azaleas, fresh green birch and larch, and other highland plants. Information for the 2025 season is now posted on the Komadeike Campground website—please take a look. 🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸 Reservation Start March 5 at 10:00 AM (Reservations accepted for stays through May 31) Please note that phone reservations are not available until April 18. ⁡ Operating Period April 18–November 24 Some plans, such as cottages and bungalows, have shorter operating periods. Open dates: Friday, April 18, 2025 – Monday, November 24, 2025 (national holiday) The final day is for check-out only. Cottages and bungalows: April 21 – November 10 Showers (Green Tree / Auto Sanitary building): April 18 – November 3 The central shower building remains open through the final day. Reservation Windows March 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through May 31 April 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through June 30 May 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through July 31 June 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through August 31 July 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through September 30 August 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through October 31 September 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through November 23 Please refrain from tentative bookings. We will confirm with anyone booking two consecutive weeks or five nights or more. If we judge a reservation to be malicious, we may cancel it. Thank you for your understanding. Important Changes for the 2025 Season ☑️ Kayak events around Komadeike on weekends from July through September These events, which proved popular at last year’s KOMATSURI, will be held regularly. They offer a rare chance to leisurely tour Komadeike, which normally prohibits all activities. ☑️ Same-day check-in plan dedicated to solo campers introduced ☑️ Two-room tents added to rental tent lineup We will offer a limited number of Snow Peak Elfield tents. Try the now-common two-room tents at an affordable price. ☑️ Plans to build a walking trail that circles Komadeike (planned) ☑️ “Trip ’til You Get Home” service available at Yachi Cafe inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen We will offer Yachi coffee, an original Yatsugatake blend, at half price to one driver. Enjoy a good coffee before you hit the expressway and drive home safely. Other minor changes apply. 🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. There is a little chick. 🎎

Photographed 3/1/25. It is an exhibition of shellfish matching and hina-sama tour at the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center.

Photographed 3/1/25. It is an exhibition of shellfish matching and hina-sama tour at the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center. The picture of the shellfish is stunning.

Today is Hinamatsuri. We also decorated the school with tsurushi-bina and dolls!

Photographed 3/1/25. It is an exhibition of shellfish matching and hina-sama tour at the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center. Up to 3/5. Today is the Hina Festival. 🎎

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

Mystery-Solving Event at Gion Shrine On Saturday, February 22, a mystery-solving event took place at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district 👏 The event was titled “Gion Shrine Real Mystery: ‘As the Gods Say’” 💡 Local high school students from Gokase Secondary School led the planning, collaborating with local company Gokase Entertainment and the Kuraoka Lovers Women’s Group to prepare the event 😳✨ Participants of all ages gathered, and the shrine grounds rang with lively voices 🤗🎶 The puzzles were quite difficult until a spark of insight or a discovery occurred… I tried hard to solve them but couldn’t in the end 🤣 I had to borrow the children’s wisdom, haha As we solved the puzzles, we learned the correct way to worship at Gion Shrine 😯💡 I had no idea about those customs, so the many new discoveries were great fun 🤩 After finishing the puzzles, participants faced a two-part showdown with the gods played by Gokase Secondary School students ⚔️ The first part, “Sengoku Gokase Town,” was a game in which players spent their held points to approach the god; the winner was the one who first knocked the bead off the god’s shoulder with a sword 💪 In the second part, the winning prize from part one, a rope, was formed into a circle on the ground as a ring, and contestants challenged the god in a hand-push sumo match 👐 Both games excited adults and children alike, and smiles filled the event from start to finish 😆 After completing all stages, participants received a “Mystery Completion Certificate,” but looking closely revealed the certificates came in different colors…🤔? It turned out the hand-push sumo in part two mirrored the ceremonial sumo offered to entertain the gods during the Morimaki ritual held at Gion Shrine. Since the tradition holds that “the one who loses to the god is correct,” the completion certificates of those who lost the hand-push sumo gleamed in gold🤣 You could feel the students’ attention to detail throughout the setting, and it was wonderful 🥹✨ At the end, participants and students took a commemorative photo together, and warm tea provided by Yukihoshien was served as a participation prize, bringing the lively, friendly event to a close 😌👏 Seeing Gokase Town come alive through events created by students, local businesses, and community groups working together is truly moving 🥹 We hope the whole town continues to join forces to keep Gokase Town thriving ✨

The 5th Sakuhomachi Ikebana Exhibition From tomorrow, Saturday the 22nd, through Monday the 24th, the Ikebana exhibition will take place at the Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum🌷🌷 Participating schools include Koyama-ryu, Kodo-ryu, Koryu Matsufuji-kai, Sogetsu, and Ikenobo! Enjoy the collaboration of Taisho-era romantic architecture and fresh floral arrangements🌺🎶 ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂ Venue: Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum Address: 1429-1 Hozumi, Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Monday, February 24, 2025 Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Museum admission: Adults 500 yen (400 yen), Elementary and junior high students 300 yen (250 yen) ※Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more ※Admission covers both the museum and the Ikebana exhibition. Access: Transfer at Hokuriku Shinkansen Sakudaira, then a 1-minute walk from JR Koumi Line yachiho station Five minutes by car from Central Japan Expressway Yachiho Kogen, sixty minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Sudama IC ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂

Tour de Yatsugatake 2025 Volunteer Staff Recruitment The historic cycling event "Tour de Yatsugatake" returns to Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture for the first time in six years! 🚴‍♀️✨ We need volunteer staff to help make this comeback possible. If you love cycling, nature, or Yatsugatake, join us to help create an exciting event together 🎶 We look forward to welcoming you in Sakuhomachi! 😸💫💫 ◆ Venue Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Volunteers will be assigned to different positions and should gather at their assigned locations. The secretariat will contact you in advance. Examples: Parking staff = gather at each parking area; Chip collection staff = gather at each finish point ◆ Expenses Free of charge Lunch and a participation commemorative gift will be provided. *Please cover your own transportation costs to the event site.* ◆ Event date Sunday, April 13, 2025 ◆ Highlights Event resumes after six years An emotional cycling race Experience the great outdoors of Yatsugatake ◆ Who we are looking for Working adults, university students, vocational students, seniors ◎ Requirements ・Able to drive and travel by car on your own ・Able to prioritize communication with staff and participants ◎ Recommended for ・Cycling enthusiasts ・Nature lovers ・Fans of Yatsugatake The event takes place outdoors in cold conditions with remaining snow. Please prepare and take measures to stay warm. Participants of all generations are welcome People of many age groups will work together. Many staff in their 30s are active in the secretariat. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Volunteer Positions – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ・Start staff: day-of registration, guiding riders, and other duties ・Finish staff (half-finish and full-finish locations): collect timing chips, guide riders, and other duties ・Aid station staff: manage water supply points ・Parking staff: check parking permits at entrances and monitor parking during the event ・Withdrawn rider recovery staff: assist in collecting withdrawn riders and their bicycles — applicants should be experienced in handling bicycles To apply, please scan the third QR code on the application form.

Hinamatsuri at Kannonji Temple Hinamatsuri will be held at Kannonji Temple in Kamogawa City on February 22 (Sat) ~ March 3 (Mon), Reiwa 7). Thereare each carefully made ornament has its own expression. It is very close to Kamogawa Station, so please stop by. Kannonji Temple Kamogawa City Yokonagisa 1133 5 minutes walk from JR Awa Kamogawa Station

※ Emergency Bulletin!!! The National New Fireworks Competition will be relaunched!!! As currently planned, 1) Staggered event schedule ⇒ September 6, 13, 20, 27 (planned) · Held rain or shine (postponed for typhoons or disasters) 2) Tournament format: after preliminary rounds, the final championship will be decided (planned for October 26)！ 3) No paid box seats The exact launch times and other details will be decided in April by the newly formed executive committee. After that, we expect to provide everyone with more detailed information. Stay tuned!!! Be sure to make your plans and book your accommodation!!! ★ Breaking NEWS!!! The Zenkoku Shinsaku Fireworks Competition Tournament is coming back this autumn!!! For now, this is all the information we can share. 1. Staggered event schedule (instead of a single-day event) 2. Tournament style ⇒ Preliminary rounds on each Saturday in September: Sep 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th (plan) 3. No paid seats! You can watch for free!!! An executive committee will form in April. After that committee meets, we will provide more detailed information. Please look forward to it!!!

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

Roadside Station Iwanai This year, Tamaru and Beniko’s Hina dolls are on display again at the counter 👏 When you stop by please take photos 😊

When I visited a wooden joinery in Oita Prefecture, I received a kumiko set. Kumiko can be incorporated without using a single nail. It has existed since the Asuka period and is said to be used in shrine architecture. I'm just amazed at Japan's technology (laughs).

I started 🆕✨️ a Buckwheat noodles making experience at the Yamanouchi Town Planning Tourism Bureau You can experience Yamanouchi Town's traditional Soba noodles, [Sukagawa Buckwheat noodles)] while interacting with Local Soba (buckwheat noodles) masters! !️ What is Sukagawa Soba (buckwheat noodles)? It features Juwari Soba noodles that use the fibers of Oyamabokuchi leaves as a binder. Soba (buckwheat noodles) made with 100% Jiko flour has a strong waist and is good for the throat, and you can fully enjoy the flavor of Soba (buckwheat noodles). For reservations by Phone, please contact 📞 the Yamanouchi Town Planning and Tourism Bureau at least 3 days in advance. Tel. 0269-38-9191 Click here to make a reservation from the Internet ↓ https://www.kkday.com/ja/product/invalid/266894...

＊＊＊Handmade Miso Experience 2025＊＊＊ ～Mixing Koji and Salt, Crushing Beans, and Preparation～ We offer a Shinshu-style, country miso-making experience using 100% locally produced soybeans grown in Azumino. The taste of miso you make yourself is exceptional! Why not take this opportunity to enjoy a handmade miso experience? Around late autumn, 3 kg will be delivered by courier. The work will take about 2 hours. 【Date】 February 22, 2025 (Saturday), limited to one day 【Time】 13:00 Meet at Village Azumino (scheduled to end around 16:00) *The end time may vary depending on the progress of the work. 【Fee】 4,500 yen (same for adults and children, per person/tax included) (Includes experience fee, insurance, 3kg of miso & delivery fee) *Includes a free day-trip bathing privilege (limited to the day of the experience) 【Target】 Anyone (children of elementary school age and younger must be accompanied by a guardian) 【Capacity】 10 people, reservations accepted from 1 person *Reservations will be closed as soon as the capacity is reached. 【What to bring】 Clothes that can get dirty and are suitable for work, kitchen gloves, sneakers, apron, bandana or other item to cover hair 【Reservation】 Advance reservation required, online payment 【Other】 ■Additional miso orders can be placed for 700 yen (tax included) per 1kg. Please apply on-site on the day. ■The experience will be a joint activity with customers who have applied for the "Miso Making Experience Included Accommodation Plan" at the experience location, Village Azumino. ■The free day-trip bathing privilege is limited to the day of the experience. Please speak to a staff member when bathing. Click here to make a reservation ↓ https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/688415...

Isehara Handmade Armor Corps Notice of the Large Armor Exhibition and Armor Workshop About 60 impressive handmade armors worn by the corps members will be displayed together‼ ✨Armor Workshop (15 sessions in total)✨ is also recruiting students! Take this chance to make your own armor✨ ◆Dates: Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Sunday, February 23, 2025 9:00 (1:00 PM on the first day) – 17:00 (4:00 PM on the final day) ◆Venue: Isehara City Central Public Hall, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (1-21-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara) ◆Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit 【Bus】Kanachu Bus from Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 1 Take the "for Isehara Depot" bus and get off at "Chuo Kominkan-mae" (in front of the Central Public Hall) ◆Admission: Free ◆Inquiries: Isehara Handmade Armor Corps Office (Tel: 0463-95-2385, Wakabayashi) https://isehara-kattyuutai.com/?p=14010...

https://shimatabi-rito.com/okinawa/plan/detail/656/... Day Trip Blitz Tour of Izanami Island, Okinawa is now available! Book online below↓ Since lodging on Izanami Island can be hard to secure, the tourism association created a day-trip plan you can enjoy. We guide you to your preferred spots within the time available—Shō-en King history course, scenic photo spots, utaki (sacred sites) tour, cultural heritage museum course, training camp preview course—or we can choose the itinerary for you (^▽^)/ Reservation required two days in advance ※ Available for groups of two or more From 3,000 JPY per person (adult) Duration: 11:30–13:30 (Ferry departs Izanami at 13:30) Foreign visitors accommodated (English only) ☆ Staying overnight is still recommended; lodging guests can arrange times by discussion

When it comes to introducing a country and its vibrant culture to newcomers at the airport, making thoughtful choices about what to showcase is essential because first impressions matter. During my recent trip, I stumbled upon Edo-koji, a charming Edo Market Place in the international terminal at Haneda Airport. The area is adorned with quaint, wooden shops that evoke the spirit of an Edo-era village, complete with a small stage that occasionally features captivating cultural displays. On this visit, I was drawn to a stunning pair of two-folded byōbu (folding screens) featuring an enchanting painting of the Wind God and Thunder God. This remarkable piece, crafted by the renowned Rinpa artist Ogata Kōrin, is a replica of an exquisite work by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, illustrating Raijin, the tempestuous god of lightning and storms, alongside Fūjin, the gentle god of wind. Honestly, what could be cooler than this? It’s a perfect representation of Japan’s rich artistic heritage right at the heart of the airport!