Gokase Highland Ski Resort Safety Prayer Ceremony Today, Thursday, December 12, a safety prayer ceremony was held at Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which is set to reopen in eight days for the first time in three years. 🙏✨ Around 60 people boarded shuttle buses from the base to gather, and amid heavy media coverage, a Shinto ritual took place inside the ski center. 😌 The ritual proceeded smoothly, and after offering prayers for the resort’s safety and success, participants toasted together. 🍻 At the post-ceremony gathering, everyone spent a relaxed time, eagerly anticipating the ski area’s opening. 🤗 Along the road up to the resort, snow had accumulated in places, and the slopes were adorned with frost-covered trees that created a magical scene. ❄️✨ When the wind blows, it really is cold, isn’t it? 🥶 I came fully bundled up today, but cold is cold. 🤣 Still, a ski resort should feel like this! Right? 💪❤️‍🔥 Only a little time left until opening. 🤩 Let’s hold on a bit longer and wait with excited anticipation. ✨

[e-Sports Trial Event 🎮] Today (December 10) an "e-Sports Trial Event" took place in the Sakamoto area.💡 At first, many faces looked tense—perhaps from unfamiliar games and the cold—but as the rounds went on people relaxed and smiles grew.😁✨ Some teams shone with individual skill, others with outstanding teamwork, and each team had its own style. The crowd cheered loudly whenever other teams played, creating a lively atmosphere.😆 Hearing comments like "That was fun!" and "Let’s do it again!" made us very happy.😄

Popular snow activities in Nayoro City, Hokkaido "Powder Snow Safari" A tour to the summit of Mount Piyasiri, next to the Piyasiri ski resort in the city. Ride a snowmobile through snowy forest roads and snowfields to meet the giant "Snow Monster". From the top of the mountain, if you are lucky, you can also see the "Sun Pillar", which is a Nature tabletop phenomenon, Mt. Rishiri on the northernmost Rishiri Island, and the Sea of Okhotsk. Rest assured that the snowmobile will have a driver. Rental items such as helmets, gloves, and spats are also available, so even beginners can enjoy it. Period: Late December ~ Early March Number of receptionists: 1 person ~ Duration: 2 hours ~ 2 and a half hours Fee: 12,000 yen/person (tax included) For details, search for "Nayoro Sightseeing & Town Planning Association"!!

【Notice】 Japanese smelt fishing on ice is one month away! The Japanese smelt fishing venue on the Memanbetsu Lakeside is used by many customers every year because it is about 10 minutes by car from the airport and has very good access. Japanese smelt fishing equipment can be purchased and rented at the venue, making it easy for beginners to get started! If you are a first-timer, there is only one thing you need to prepare. Please dress warmly! Because you will be fishing on the ice for a long time, you will get cold from your feet. Therefore, it is even better if you have a sock warmer to put on the soles of your feet! We look forward to seeing you there! ［INFOMATION］ Venue: Ozora Town Memanbetsu Lake Abashiri Memanbetsu Lakeside Campground Behind Period: 2025 (Reiwa 7) January 5 (Sun) ~ Mid-March Time: 8 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. Fee: Adult 900 yen, Elementary school student 450 yen Other: Implementation of sales and rental *If you fish for Japanese smelt outside of the above hours, it is poaching. * The start and end dates vary depending on the ice conditions and weather, so please check the social media or website of the Ozora Town Tourist Association or contact the secretariat.

Jozankei Hot Spring× Sapporo International Ski Resort Collaboration plan is here! Enjoy stress-free skiing at Jozankei Hot Spring, located in a national park, 26km from the center of Sapporo City, and Sapporo International Ski Resort, which has 100% natural powder snow! (1) Accommodation plan with one-day ticket is now available Exclusive plans with IC tickets sold by each hotel are full of Privileges unique to Hot Spring resorts, such as bathing after skiing, luggage storage before and after check-in, and services unique to each hotel. (2) Dedicated shuttle bus "Jozankei Ski Liner" By reservation-only bus, you can sit reliably near the inn and go straight to the ski resort with ease. (3) Opened a special rental counter "Premium Gate" Use those who need a rental can use the "Premium Gate" exclusively for Jozankei Accommodation guests. You can enjoy your ski time without waiting for a rental. In addition to sightseeing in Sapporo, please plan skiing to Hokkaido at Jozankei Hot Spring! For details, please check the "Jozankei Hot Spring Ski Plan" site on the Jozankei Tourist Association website.

Designated as a national park, Jozankei Hot Spring is one of the one of the most Autumn leaves Famous landmarks in Japan, blessed with abundant Nature. The Autumn leaves of Jozankei have progressed little by little, and finally about 50% of them have become colored. Autumn leaves peak in Jozankei in mid-October every year, and this year is no different. From October 1st, starting from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center, we operate shuttle buses that can go to the five selected scenic areas "Five Great Autumn Leaves". We will operate various buses so that you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Autumn leaves, such as the "Autumn leaves Gondola" of the Sapporo International Ski Resort, where you can enjoy a walk in the Autumn leaves air one step earlier than the Hot spring resort and the panorama of Ishikari Bay from the top of the mountain, and the "Autumn leaves Kappa Bus" where a guide will guide you through the unknown Autumn leaves Spot. In particular, the Autumn leaves Kappa Bus has been renewed as a new routes around Lake Sapporo with a superb view from this year. Attention.

Thursday, October 3 — G Class: Tea Pan-Frying Experience at Miyazaki Sabou🍵 Today, third graders from four elementary schools across Gokase Town gathered at Miyazaki Sabou for a G class✍️💡…so I was able to observe their visit👀✨ We had considered skipping the tea-picking experience because of light rain, but the kids’ energy cleared the sky enough for a short session, so we did a little picking👏👏👏 Chanting “one bud, two leaves!” everyone happily hand-picked tea leaves🌿 After that, the group split into three teams to do 1) a factory tour, 2) a pan-frying experience, and 3) a tasting session✍️✨ 1) The factory was full of first-time sights! Different tea aromas drifted through the air, and just watching the tour felt soothing🤤💕 When told that a single tea leaf can become green tea, oolong tea, or black tea, the kids gasped “Whaaaat!?” with perfect reactions😳💮💮💮 lol 2) The pan-frying experience stemmed from what they heard on the tour: machines roast leaves at 200–300°C, so the kids nervously asked, “Is it hot!?”🤣 But trying it turned out to be fun🤩 They watched, fascinated, as the leaves dried and released a pleasant aroma, commenting “I like this smell!” and “But it’s tiring~💦” while learning the pan-fried tea production process😊 3) They learned about types of tea utensils and how to use them, the ideal water temperature for brewing, and other tips for making tasty tea, then each brewed and tasted pan-fried tea themselves🍵✨ One child said it smelled like corn soup, which surprised me, but apparently pan-fried tea is often said to have a corn-like flavor😮💡 The children’s sensitivities never cease to amaze me👏 They compared four teas by taste and tried to identify which was pan-fried tea, oolong, hojicha, or black tea. Many struggled, confused by the familiar colors and aromas🤣 Did you know? Taiwanese and Gokase oolong teas are closer in color to green tea rather than brown😏✏️ At the end, during the Q&A, the children asked sharp questions to the producers and summarized what they had learned✍️💫 The kids experienced the full charm of Gokase’s pan-fried tea and felt the producers’ passion😌 I hope they take pride in this local specialty and help weave the future of Gokase Town✨

A year-round scenic paradise: “Coral Eden”! The sea around Nobeoka City stays warm and clear thanks to the Kuroshio Current, making it easy to observe underwater life where about 100 species of coral thrive. An underwater park featuring seabed caves, colorful soft corals, and one of Japan’s largest Pavona (Osuribachi) coral colonies is famous as a top-class diving spot. With a drysuit, you can enjoy this marine paradise throughout autumn and winter. Snorkeling, which is easier than diving, also lets you get up close to colorful fish. The calm waters and shallow areas make coral and tropical fish feel within reach, so beginners and children can join with confidence 😊 The NPO Himuka Sensation Experience World, commonly known as Nobe☆Sta, brings together specialists who use Nobeoka City’s outstanding mountain, river, and sea potential—the best in Kyushu—to guide visitors through authentic, moving outdoor experiences across a range of fields. ※Inquiries regarding diving and snorkeling NPO Himuka Sensation Experience World (Phone) 0982-29-3835 (Closed) Tuesdays

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Nobeoka Tourism Association. From now on, we will share information about Nobeoka City’s sightseeing spots and events. We will introduce Nobeoka’s charms in plenty of detail, so we hope you enjoy. Now then, first let us introduce Nobeoka City! Nobeoka City is located in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. After merging with Kitakata Town and Kitanoura Town in 2006 and with Kitagawa Town in 2007, it has a population of about 115,000 and, by area, is the second largest city in Kyushu. It is the birthplace of the major integrated chemical manufacturer Asahi Kasei and also has an industrial city side. Seasonal events are lively here, from the springtime Nobeoka Flower Story to the autumn tradition of the ayu fishing weir, which draws visitors from across the country and livens up the town. Nobeoka is also nationally famous as the birthplace of chicken nanban and spicy noodles, and you can enjoy these soul foods at many local restaurants. This is an appealing region where natural beauty, historic sites, and delicious cuisine come together. You will discover something new each time you visit, and you’ll want to come back again and again. With the opening of the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, access to Nobeoka City has become very convenient. Please come and experience the charms of Nobeoka City for yourself. *An access image to Nobeoka City is also attached.*

Wasshoi Festival Experience Tour—an annual celebration The towering floats parade at Hotaka Shrine’s "Ofune Festival" Let’s pull the ofune together! …We have started selling tickets for this hands-on tour! Held every year on September 26 and 27 at Hotaka Shrine, this festival features boat-shaped floats pulled through a landlocked prefecture On the main day, the 27th, the spectacular "Ofune Battle" draws crowds as massive five-ton hulls collide in a fierce display This tour offers the rare chance to help pull one of these ofune Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the Ofune Festival in person! Tour perks 1. Try pulling the huge adult ofune—normally handled only by locals—up to Hotaka Shrine! 2. Receive a stylish Ofune Festival T-shirt and wear it proudly during the event! 3. Enjoy a special limited-edition "Ofune Festival" goshuin paper as a keepsake! 4. Watch the climactic moment when the two adult boats collide from reserved seats right next to the action! 5. Boost your luck at Hotaka Shrine, a powerful local power spot! For details, please check the official Azumino City Tourism Association website

In the Jozankei area, there are many unique campsites surrounded by the nature of national parks. In the Hot Spring Sauna, enjoy the bonfire at night and enjoy delicious rice with Local ingredients in the Nature. Squid camping in Jozankei as a memory of this summer? In the photo, the campsite is "Jozankei Nature Village" There are many white gels lined up in the forest, as if you have wandered into a foreign land It is a mysterious space. For details, check the official Jozankei Tourist Association website!

Saturday, August 17 — National Mountain-Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣🔥 Here’s another fishing tournament story 💪 Today the National Mountain-Stream Fishing Tournament took place on the Mikasokawa tributary of the Gokase River 🤩 This was the second time, following last year 👏 About 70 children and around 100 adults gathered at Mikasokawa — a great turnout 😚 Like at the Kuraoka fishing tournament, I was reminded that fishing is an activity for all ages and genders. So many people were enjoying themselves — it was wonderful 😳✨ This time the children also had a fish-catching event where they grabbed fish by hand 😆 Surprisingly, eels were mixed in, so both kids and the adults watching were fired up 🔥🔥🔥 The vibe was “Bring one back for sure!” 🤣 haha After the excitement there was weighing and an awards ceremony 🏆✨ There were awards for highest total catch from 1st to 3rd place, plus a separate big-fish prize 🙌 The 1st-place total-catch winner landed 4.16 kg of fish 🎉👏 That’s a bit more than two 2-liter PET bottles worth of fish 😲‼ Amazing 👏 Congratulations to the champion 😆💕 The big-fish prize went to a second-year junior high student who caught a hefty 34 cm fish and placed admirably 🤩 Where could such a big fish have been hiding?! Congratulations 🥳👏 The raffle afterward featured a row of luxurious prizes 🫢 With kids and adults smiling, the fishing tournament wrapped up 🙌 Now that Obon and the fishing tournament are over, the weather is slowly starting to cool… When it’s hot you want summer to end quickly, but once you sense its end you feel a bit wistful 😌 Let’s stay well and keep going strong despite Obon fatigue and the heat 🕺✨

Thursday, August 15 — Fishing Tournament in Kuraoka District🎣🔥 Today, Thursday, August 15, a fishing tournament took place in the Kuraoka district👏 About 350 kg of yamame and rainbow trout were released into the river🐟 The event opened with a fishing class for children🥳 The kids picked things up incredibly fast, and the adults watching around them kept saying, “Wow, this isn’t just ‘they’re good’… their casting spots are perfect…” in amazement🤣🤣🤣 The fish the children caught were grilled and eaten right away, just enough for each family🤤💕Fresh fish they had caught themselves must have tasted extra delicious🥰 After that came the adult fishing tournament💪! Veterans who know all the best spots and techniques kept reeling fish in one after another😯👏Truly impressive… They put away the caught fish so quickly that it was hard to capture good photos😂 While the adults fished earnestly, there was also a grab-and-catch contest for children…🫳🐟 Kids grabbed the slippery fish non-stop until there were none left, and some families ended up taking home full plastic bags of fish😂 Older elementary and middle school kids seemed put off by the sliminess, so the smaller children fearlessly caught the most — which was amusing to watch🤭✨ By midday, even the adults had nets full of fish🤣 The day ended with a raffle for luxurious prizes like sweets, daily necessities, and sake👏 This summer event, a family-friendly fishing tournament at the end of Obon, must have given participants a wonderful summer memory😌🌻

🛶 Let's go on an adventure at Jozankei during summer vacation! There is a in Sapporo City, but in the beautiful Jozankei Valleys surrounded by forests in the immediate vicinity Squid about canoeing, sup, boating, etc. In the summer, it shines in the deep greenery, in the autumn it is a colorful Autumn leaves, and you will walk through the beautiful scenery of the Valleys, surrounded by forests, such as the cliffs and bridges that span it. The Toyohira River has an average depth of about 1 m and a gentle stream, and with lectures by experienced guides, it is popular as an Activities that beginners, children, and dogs can easily enjoy with peace of mind. Reservation Information Check out the official Jozankei Tourist Association website! Let's enjoy the short summer of Hokkaido at Jozankei! After playing in the river, Hot Spring and Sauna await!

Jozankei Photo Contest "#That Summer Jozankei 2024" Let's apply for a HOT moment at Jozankei Hot Spring while it's HOT! The Jozankei Photo Contest "#That Summer Jozankei 2024" will start on June 1st! Please take pictures of the Jozankei you saw, eaten, and experienced and posted them more and more! We have 💝 great prizes for you We look 👏 forward to receiving many applications ★ Please be sure to read the "Jozankei Photo Contest Entry Rules" in advance. Click here for ⬇photo contest details︎ _____________________________ Held in period From June 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024 ◇ How to apply (1) Held in photos that match the category (2) Posted on Instagram with the hashtag "#That Summer Jozankei 2024" <Please> Winners will be contacted by direct message from the official Account of Sankei Tourist Association Instagram, so please follow "@jozankei.trip". ◇ About the selection department Photos and videos that fall under the following six categories will be selected. ● Illumination Division (Jozankei Nature Luminarie, Footbath Mapping, etc.) ●Nature Division (Nature, Animals, Landscape) ●Gourmet Category ●Autumn leaves division ●Free Division ●Video Category (theme is free, 15 seconds or less) ◇ About the prize 🥇Grand Prix Jozankei Hot Spring Pair Inn Stay Invitation Ticket (Premium Grade) 1 work from all entries 🥈 Award of Excellence Jozankei Hot Spring Pair Inn Stay Invitation Ticket (Standard Grade) 1 work from each category (6 works in total) 🥉 Prizes Day trip bathing pair invitation ticket 5 works from all entries * Please note that the facilities for the prizes cannot be specified. ◇ About notification of winning Winners will be contacted via Instagram direct message in late November.

December 20, 2024 Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN🎉 On Thursday, August 1, at Gokasecho Town Hall, a press announcement confirmed that Gokase Highland Ski Resort is scheduled to open this season👏✨ The access road to the ski resort collapsed in the 2022 typhoon and became impassable, forcing Gokase Highland Ski Resort to close for two seasons. At last this season! “The winter of revival begins.” 🥳🎉 Under the banner “Reopen – Reunite –” we look forward to reuniting with many people from inside and outside the town, from other prefectures, and from abroad 🥰 Let’s enjoy this winter at the ski resort ⛷️🏂✨ OPEN dates: December 20, 2024 – early March Hours: 8:00–16:30

An annual sacred ritual and ultra-rare experience tour "Board the divine boat ‘Ryuto Gishu’ at Myojin Pond, a sacred landing in the Northern Alps! Formal worship at Hotaka Shrine Oku-no-miya and autumn foliage in Kamikochi" This one-day special plan begins with a walk from the autumn-colored Kamikochi Bus Terminal to Myojin Pond, where after observing a Shinto ritual at Hotaka Shrine Oku-no-miya you will take part in a formal shrine visit and board two divine boats—Ryuto and Gishu—on Myojin Pond, the sacred precinct of Hotaka Shrine. Please take this opportunity to enjoy a mystical experience For details, check the official Azumino City Tourism Association website.

Adventure in Jozankei ⛰️A challenging climb! Mount Sapporo 1,293 m Ascent / about 3 hours 15 minutes Descent / about 2 hours 20 minutes From the summit you can take in views of central Sapporo and Jozankei Lake, created by the Toyohira Gorge Dam. There are two trail routes. The Toyotaki Route features forest roads and prolonged steep sections. The Reisui-zawa Route follows flat riverside terrain before becoming steep in the latter half. (The photo shows the Reisui-zawa Route.) The Reisui-zawa Route has a parking area. Why not head out for a weekend climb? After the hike, relax at Jozankei Onsen and the sauna. Prepare well for the heat and enjoy summer mountain hiking with a safe, realistic plan.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Rental Tent Sauna Enjoy Gokase’s nature in a tent sauna!! You can rent a tent sauna in Gokasecho. Would you like to enjoy a sauna whenever you want, wherever you want, with whomever you choose? Assembling the tent sauna is simple! The stove is iron, so the temperature rises in no time! You can even do löyly (steam poured on hot stones), leaving your mind and body refreshed! Detailed instructions for assembling the tent sauna are on Instagram at @kikor_i78. Come experience the ultimate relaxation, or “totonou,” in Gokase! Fees: Tent and stove rental ・Weekdays 10,000 yen / Holidays 12,000 yen ・Relaxation chair 500 yen Contact ・Instagram: @kikor_i78 ・Phone: 070-2381-0320 (available only from 5:00–7:00 p.m.)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Cotton Cafe Cotton Cafe meets on the third Saturday of every month. Here you can try spinning yarn from organic cotton grown in Gokasecho. The homemade cakes are also very popular. Relax and chat while trying your hand at spinning yarn. No prior registration required. Opening days: Every third Saturday of the month Hours: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Location: 5929 Kuraoka, Kuraoka Kurara Staff Room, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, 882-1201

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Pizza-Making Workshop At Villa corasita (Villa Corasita), you can take a cooking class while looking straight down at the Italian tomato fields (greenhouses) completed in March 2022. Set in a stylish villa reminiscent of rural towns in France and Italy, you can make pizza using a wood-fired stove. Hours Day session 11:00–14:00 Evening session 17:00–19:00 Duration About 90 minutes (one lesson: from 4 to 8 guests) *If more than 8 guests participate, a rotation system will be used. Price Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥3,850 Children ¥1,650 *Reservation required (at least 5 days before your preferred date). Groups of 4 to 8 guests. Reservation: Villa corasita 1473-18 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishi-usuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2017 (weekdays 9:00–17:00)

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience] Cast-Iron Kettle Pan-Frying Tea Experience Pan-fried tea, now produced in only small quantities nationwide. It pours a clear golden color, offers a fragrant aroma, and tends to be less astringent and bitter than steamed green tea. You can try making this pan-fried tea yourself. <Price> Pan-frying experience: 2,000 yen ※Reservation required / varies by season <Booking> Miyazaki Chabo Co., Ltd. 4966 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 ・Hours: 9:00–16:00 ・Phone: 0982-82-0211 ・Fax: 0982-82-0316

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience] Tea Tasting Experience Miyazaki (Tatsu Saki) Sabou produces the rare kamairicha (pan-fried tea) Here you can enjoy a tasting experience featuring several kinds of tea. Even among kamairicha, different tea leaf varieties produce distinct aromas and flavors. If you find a tea you like, you can buy it on the spot. Price: Tea tasting experience from ¥1,000 (reservation required) Booking: Miyazaki Sabou Co., Ltd. 4966 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 Hours: 9:00–16:00 Telephone: 0982-82-0211 Fax: 0982-82-0316

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Yamame Natural Fishing Pond Yamame Natural Fishing Pond centers on a wild, hands-on experience: catch creatures with your own hands, kill them, prepare them yourself, and cook and eat them. The pond is deep and designed with many fishing points spread across the whole pond to avoid crowding. No concrete or other man-made structures are used; the fishing area remains in its natural state. Admission Fee 1,500 yen per person (tax included; includes fishing rod, bait, keep-net, and fishing permit set). You may take home caught fish up to 500 g free of charge. For fish over 500 g, please purchase at 250 yen per 100 g. Fish you catch can be gutted at the BBQ garden and taken home (free). The reception desk is at the ryokan Enohanoya. Reservations: Enohanoya (9:00–17:00; closed in stormy weather) Postal code 882-1201 4615 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-83-2326 Fax: 0982-83-2324 Yamame BBQ Self Garden We expanded the eaves of Enohanoya across from the fishing pond to create a BBQ garden. It includes a cooking area, a charcoal hearth, and wooden tables for free use. Facility Use Fee 500 yen per person (tax included; includes charcoal, burner for lighting the fire, various cooking utensils, seasonings, bamboo skewers, etc.). At the BBQ garden, you can enjoy your caught fish grilled with salt, pan-fried with butter, smoked, or prepared in other ways. The reception desk is at the ryokan Enohanoya.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Canoeing & Sauninging Canoeing in winter? Isn’t it cold? Not at all — winter brings its own way to enjoy canoeing. This is "Canoeing & Sauninging." After paddling and entering the sauna, your body and mind will feel refreshed and balanced. Would you like to try this in the great outdoors? The sauna meal is a Gokasecho specialty. Season: January to March Price: Adults (high school age and older) JPY 9,000 (includes sauna meal: special horu hotpot) Booking: Shizenya Kawajin (Email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Snow Trekking & Sledding An activity unique to Gokasecho, a town with a ski resort! Snow mountain climbing and sledding! The rush of sliding down snowy slopes on a sled is addictive! We provide a warming lunch. *Subject to snow accumulation from January to March* Price 10,000 yen per person; minors must be accompanied by a guardian Lunch included: hot sandwich and soup (menu may change) How to apply Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Footpaths A footpath refers to a route where you can walk while enjoying unspoiled nature, old townscapes, rice paddies and other pastoral scenery. Each footpath comes with a dedicated map, and directional signs are posted along the course, so you follow those as you walk. You can enjoy this footpath simply by following the map and signs, but its appeal is greatest on a guided tour. A local guide who knows the settlement’s history, culture and natural features will multiply the footpath’s interest many times over. <Fees> ・Adults (junior high school and older) ¥3,000 ・Elementary school students ¥2,000 *Operated for groups of two or more (elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian) <Booking> Gokase Nature School Postal code 882-1201 6452-Otsu Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-73-6366 ●Course Introductions● 1. Footpath: Gokasecho Miyano-hara District Miyano-hara is an old settlement dotted with many weeping cherry trees, led by a roughly 300-year-old shidarezakura at Josenji Temple. Sankasho Shrine, which has an inner sanctuary on Mt. Futagami—said to be the landing place of the heavenly grandson—features beautiful rhododendrons and the shrine building is adorned with superb carvings of hippocampi. The river is crossed by a stone-built megane (arch) bridge, and the course includes the “Bird’s Nest” terraced rice field selected among the Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, stepped fields, bamboo groves and mixed woods—a sunny, peaceful route worthy of recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. We recommend walking here in spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. <Schedule> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Onsen Kijiya (9223 Hirokino, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) ◎Special offer: discounted admission to Gokase Onsen Kijiya (Adults ¥500→¥300, Children ¥300→¥200) 2. Footpath: Gokasecho Kasabe District A small hamlet of about ten households located on the northern edge of Mount Gion-yama, considered the birthplace of the Gion tradition in Kyushu. The spring water that wells up from Gion-yama is true famous water. To make use of this water for community development, locals built a log-house pavilion from local cedar and named it Kasabe Water Station. The highlight is a giant hinoki cypress said to be 700–800 years old. It is nicknamed “God’s Hand” because it resembles a powerful man’s left hand, and it draws many visitors. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Kasabe Water Station (Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 3. Footpath: Gokasecho Kuwanonai District Kuwanonai is a village with spectacular views of Mt. Aso from anywhere and beautiful sunsets. With many tea fields, it traditionally produces pan-fried tea that has won imperial awards. Recently, black tea made from Japanese tea leaves has become popular, and the area also cultivates flowers, cherry tomatoes and grapes, and raises domestic black Wagyu cattle—farming and livestock remain the core industries. The cozy farm-stay program promoted by the Sunset Village Development Council is popular; students from across Asia visit on school trips. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Winery (4847-1 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 4. Footpath: Gokasecho Habu District Historically active in trade with Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture), this area once served as a logistics hub. Today it is the inner retreat of Kuwanonai, backed by steep terrain and Kyushu’s magnificent mountains, including Mt. Aso. Photographers and painters favor many spots here, and you can find quintessential rural scenery that feels truly countryside. The course has many ups and downs, offering a bit of a hiking experience. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Town Coexistence Welfare Facility (1514-5 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: e-bike (E-bike) Experience An e-bike is an electrically assisted bicycle. Built like a mountain bike (MTB), it is designed for off-road use, rough terrain, and steep mountain paths. Because it has electric assistance, people with less strength and beginners can easily climb hills. There are two course types to enjoy, suitable for beginners and active riders alike. 1. Mamihara Course This easy-to-ride course follows the old prefectural border road, passing traditional stone-paved streets, a historic post town, and highland areas. The route is safe, so even those with little confidence can ride with peace of mind. 2. Kuwanouchi Course This course suits both beginners and active riders. It offers sweeping views of Mt. Aso and passes Gokase Winery, a shrine’s ancient tree, tea fields, and unpaved sections for a more active experience. Time Morning session: Meet 09:30 — Finish 12:00 Afternoon session: Meet 13:00 — Finish 15:30 Meeting place Gokase no Sato Camp Village (141-1 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203) Participation fee: Adults 6,000 yen (high school students and older) *The fee includes accident insurance and e-bike rental. Period: Year-round Other details ・Reservations required ・Participants must be at least 150 cm tall ・Please provide the age of all participants when booking. ・If the event cannot be held due to bad weather, we will notify you by phone or text message by the day before. If a decision can be made several days in advance for events like typhoons, we will notify you at that time. Reservations Shizenya Kawajin (Email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Experiences: Soyokyo Lake SUP Half-Day Tour Enjoy a half-day SUP tour around the scenic reservoir framed by the green slopes of Soyokyo. This plan is suitable even for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! Note: Available from April through October Price Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen Elementary school student 4,500 yen Dog 1,500 yen Note: Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian Participation fee includes accident insurance and SUP equipment rental Meeting point and times Meeting times Session 1: Meet at 9:30 — Finish at 12:00 Session 2: Meet at 13:00 — Finish at 15:30 Meeting place Soyō Branch Office, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Address: 500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Reservation Contact: Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Soyokyo Canyon Canoe Tour This half-day plan lets you leisurely paddle a canoe around the scenic reservoir surrounded by the green of Soyokyo. It’s suitable for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! ※Season: March to November Price ・Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen ・Elementary school student 4,500 yen ・Toddler 2,500 yen ・Dog 1,500 yen ※Toddlers from around age 2; toddlers and elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian ※Participation fee includes accident insurance and canoe equipment rental. Meeting place and time ・Meeting times [1st session] Meet 9:30 — End 12:00 [2nd session] Meet 13:00 — End 15:30 ・Meeting place “Yamato Town Soyou Branch Office,” Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture (500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Booking Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)