Hello 😃 This is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association! Today we visited Itajiki Valley Great Waterfall. The roughly 30-meter waterfall sits unspoiled by any man-made structures, offering a mysterious, untouched natural scene. The spray from the falls brings a coolness that makes it a perfect power spot for hot summer days 💦 Please be sure to visit Itajiki Valley Great Waterfall, a hidden gem of Shosenkyo Gorge. For directions and detailed information, please refer to the Shosenkyo Tourism Association website. We look forward to welcoming you to Shosenkyo.

Irozaki Original Sticker Is Here🎉 The Irozaki Ocean Park original sticker is now available!! Get one as a souvenir of your visit to Minami-Izu Town or to show your love for Minami-Izu Town and Irozaki. It's waterproof, so it’s durable! By the way... we also have magnets🤫 They are sold at Irozaki Ocean Park, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley ~Experience the seasons at Romantopia~ In spring there’s a plum festival, in summer you can pick ume plums and try tea leaf picking. You can also enjoy year-round activities such as mochi pounding and black tea making. ◇RV Park Enjoy Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley in a campervan. Experience the extraordinary in hills and fields that reveal different faces with the seasons. ◇Tent Camping Relax with tent camping at Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley. Experience the extraordinary in hills and fields that reveal different faces with the seasons. ◇Hands-on Learning Have fun trying things you’ve never done before at Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley. ◎Mochi Pounding Experience Enjoy freshly pounded mochi made with a kine mallet and usu mortar. After the experience you can eat some on site and take the rest home. 18,000 yen / per mortar session ※Includes experience fee, equipment fee, and ingredients (2 sho rice) Available for groups of 4 or more. ◎Konnyaku Making Experience Enjoy freshly made handmade konnyaku. After the experience you can eat some on site and take the rest home. 2,000 yen / per person ※Includes experience fee and materials (konnyaku yam 1 kg yields 10 blocks) ※Additional portions negotiable; available for groups of 4 or more. ◎Tea Picking & Factory Tour Tea picking season begins when the tea fields flush with the young green of new leaves. Includes one-pack tea to take home. 1,500 yen / per person ※Includes experience, tour, and souvenir. [Experience season] Mid-May – October (contents vary by timing) ◎Hand-rolled Tea / Black Tea Making Make hand-rolled tea or black tea using a hot plate. You can take the tea you make home. 2,500 yen / per person ※Includes experience, tour, and souvenir. [Experience season] Mid-May – October (contents vary by timing) ◎Miso Making Experience Try the full process of making miso. You can take the miso you make home. 8,000 yen / per person ※Includes experience fee, materials, and take-home container. [Experience season] January 10 – mid-February ◎Matcha Experience Under preparation ※Consultation required ◆Romantopia Tsukigase◆ 707-10 Tsukigase Nagahiki, Nara, Nara Prefecture Open days (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday)
Available only from 9:00 to 17:00 0743-92-0810

I took this photo in front of the lake of Heian Jingu Shrine. You have the beauty of Japan Garden. I'm thrilled by the beauty of Japan Garden.

Yamada Ranch Ezo Hydrangea Ezo hydrangeas, which grow naturally in the snowy mountains on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido and Honshu, are also Best time to visit at Yamada Ranch at Elevation 1500m. Ezo hydrangeas are not as flashy as ornamental hydrangeas, but their appearance in clusters in a grove is full of a refreshing feeling that makes you forget about the summer heat. It's been unusually hot this summer, but it's Squid to visit Yamada Ranch in search of Ezo hydrangeas.

Hyogo Prefecture Awaji City Jade Negi Countryside and Jade green onions 😋

It is a lakebed track of Lake Ranbetsu in Hokkaido In the movie, Spirited Away It's like a scene that comes out Spot has been popular for several years. Of course, not on the rails of the rails In fact, in the winter and maintenance From the lake to unload the pleasure boat Rails that are laid all the way to land. Actually, there are two rails. Derailed when unloading a pleasure boat in Spring Even now, the ship is left behind. This is the only place where you can take a picture without putting the ship in It's really because of the light rays and composition. You can take a better picture of the other railroad track. In Hokkaido, Lake Toya, Lake Akan, etc. Be sure to visit the lake where there is a sightseeing boat Thereare such a railroad track.

A new package featuring Irozaki Lighthouse-kun debuts on the hugely popular Irozaki Ocean Park souvenir, the Salt Rusk❣ It's been on limited sale since August 2nd 😆

[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!

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Camping: Guesthouse & Bar ELCAMPO This is a private tent site limited to one group per day. We offer a wide range of rental gear. You can also enjoy drinks at the adjoining bar. (The bar is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.) Fees ・2,500 yen per night site fee ・Admission: Adults (13 and over) 500 yen ・Children (ages 3–12) 300 yen ※During Golden Week and the Obon period, the site fee is 3,000 yen per night. Facilities: power supply, sink, shower room, separate toilets for men and women, Wi-Fi available Check-in: 15:00–20:00 Check-out: by 11:00 ※Not available in winter (November–March). ※Pets are not allowed. Contact ・Phone: 080-9799-0094 (phone hours 9:00–21:00)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Camping: Kijiya de CAMP A campsite where you can also enjoy hot springs, “Kijiya de Camp” Solo camping and small-group use are available. There are sites A through D. Check-in time: 12:00–17:00 on the day of arrival (If your check-in will be after 17:00, please be sure to contact us) Check-out time: by 11:00 the following day Reservations and inquiries 9223 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1115 Fax: 0982-82-1145

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Camping] Gokase no Sato Camp Village Gokase no Sato Camp Village sits in a luxurious spot with panoramic views of the Aso caldera and surrounding mountains. The site offers Wi‑Fi‑equipped bungalows where you can stay with pets, and tent sites for enjoying camping. You can also use the facilities in the management building. With few streetlights, clear nights reveal a sky full of stars. Hours: 9:00–18:00 Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday Contact 141-1 Mikasyo, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 090-4475-5005

Summer is finally here, and Shosenkyo has been seeing many hot, sunny days — how is everyone doing? At Shosenkyo’s Senga Falls, the powerful spray fills the air with negative ions, making it wonderfully cool and refreshing.☺️ At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop, we have a selection of award-winning wines from the Japan Wine Competition 2024 (including different vintages) waiting for you.🍷♪ This hot summer, let’s enjoy delicious wine😄 and stay full of energy! We look forward to your visit ^_^

Towards the blue sky, Pakkan! When I see the lotus flower, I think that Obon is also close. The lotus field (lotus root field) Unfolds over a vast area of about 200 hectares in Ozu Towns, Iwakuni City, and is decorated with dark green leaves and pretty white and pink flowers in mid-summer. Flowers begin to bloom around the end of July every year, and the best Best time to visit is in early August.

The rainbow colored flower field in hokkaido. Hokkaido surprises it's visitor with magnificent views in winter as well as in summer. During very hot and humid summer the flower field named shikisainooka was adorned with various flowers. Which looks like a rainbow field. The view is very eye shooting.

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Accommodation: Enoha no Ie Enoha no Ie is a mountain home-style restaurant located at 700 meters above sea level along Nagirikawa River, the source of the Gokase River. In Kyushu, yamame trout used to be called “enoha.” An irori hearth sits on the wooden floor beside the entrance and serves as the restaurant area. You can also enjoy a wide variety of yamame dishes here. Rates 1) One night with two meals: 7,000 yen 2) One night with breakfast only: 4,500 yen 3) Kiridatake Pass trekking, one night with three meals, guided with pick-up and drop-off: 9,000 yen Contact Phone: 0982-83-2321

Atami Sun Beach Water Park is getting rave reviews every day! Come and join us! Event period / Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Sunday, August 25, 2024 Venue / Atami Sun Beach (east side) – approximately a 30m by 30m area offshore (check-in on the nearby sandy beach) Address / Higashikaigancho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (offshore, east side of Sun Beach) Hours of use / 10:00–16:00 (check-in ends at 15:15) *Strict time-slot system (including turnover and break times) 10:00–11:00 11:00–12:00 12:00–13:00 13:00–14:00 14:00–15:00 15:00–16:00 Fees / High school and older: 2,000 yen per hour; Elementary and junior high students: 1,500 yen per hour. Children below elementary school age are not permitted. Inquiries / Atami City Tourism Association Tel: 0557-85-2222 Access / About 5 minutes by bus from Atami Station toward Atami Port → get off at Sun Beach → 3-minute walk ●Check-in is available only on the sandy beach at the site on the day (no phone or online reservations) *Check-in opens at 9:30 on the sandy beach on the day (advance phone reservations are not accepted). At check-in you may purchase a time slot that still has availability for that day. *Even during operating hours, check-in will end once capacity is reached. *All users must wear a life jacket (loaned on site). *Extension of time slots is not allowed. (Consecutive slot purchases are prohibited as a heatstroke countermeasure.) *Children in grades 1–3 may enter only when accompanied by a guardian. (Accompanying guardians must be adults.) *Entry may be restricted in severe weather (strong winds, etc.) or when advisories (such as lightning) are issued. (Restrictions apply even during booked time slots.) *In advance of an approaching typhoon, equipment may be temporarily removed and use suspended. *If entry is suddenly restricted under the above conditions, refunds will be issued for uses under 30 minutes; no refunds will be given for uses of 30 minutes or more. Please understand in advance. *Lifeguards will be on duty and an AED will be available. *If Sun Beach swimming area is closed, the Water Park will also be canceled.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Accommodation: Hotel Forestpia Hotel Forestpia sits along a gorge at the headwaters of the Gokase River in the Kyushu Mountains This hotel features authentic cottage-style log houses Here you can enjoy yamame trout dishes raised in the clear waters of the Gokase River When it gets cold, the lobby fireplace is lit, creating a luxurious moment to relax <Base Rates> ●Room Charge ・Suite (price for 2 people) 16,000 yen ・Twin room (price for 2 people) 12,000 yen ・Maisonette (price for 4 people) 20,000 yen ●Rate with Breakfast (per night) ・Room for 3–4 people: 6,000 yen per person ・Room for 2 people: 7,000 yen per person ・Suite: 9,000 yen per person *Meals at "Enoha no Ie" range from 1,000 to 3,000 yen (tax excluded) <Contact> 4615 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, 882-1201 ・Phone: 0982-82-2321 ・FAX: 982-83-2324

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: 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)

Maime no Ike 2021.08.21 The Milky Way in Maime no Pond Mt. Norikura is illuminated by moonlight. Even in the moonlight, the Milky Way was clear.

This is a photo of the Yamamoto Sunflower Festival taken in the evening.

The "Yamamoto and Sunflower Festival" in Yamamoto Towns, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture was held in from July 19~28. Approximately 2.8 million sunflowers bloomed on a vast area of farmland of about 7.6 hectares.

From the sidewalk of "Takenaka Pond (Kagoshima Prefecture no spring water Town)", which is not usually visited, away from the Somen sink! I don't like strong sunlight, but it's hard to available if the colors are dull Squid not in this hot season!!! Summer!!