📍Aikoku Station (Obihiro) A former JNR station made famous by the phrase "From the Land of Love to Happiness." The station building is now preserved as a memorial, and a nostalgic atmosphere lingers. Retro signs and the station name board are highly photogenic. The heart-shaped fountain is adorable 💓 We recommend it as a stop on your Obihiro sightseeing itinerary 📸💖

In the past, there were "round-table discussions" and "historical walking tours" in the Tomi City Yoshizu area, where Azusa kamiko (priestesses) called "Nonou" who were said to be the "Village priestesses of No.1 in Japan" and who traveled around the world gathered. Local residents' volunteers held the "Nishinomiya-ri Development Association," which was attended by 15 people from inside and outside the prefecture, including history buffs and tourism officials. "In the Spring, a group of several to several dozen priestesses, led by the Shinto ritual Maitao, set out on a tour from Nonou Alley, and they divined their worries, sufferings, and wishes in the village where they toured," says Hirofumi Shinohara, secretary of the association. He is the "descendant family of the Shinto ritual Maitao (owner of Nishinomiya Shrine)", and Ancient documents are handed down to the house, and researchers who visit from all over the country and people who admire Nonou are accepted and visited to guide the history of the area. 　Four years ago, I held a walking priestess tour in Pre, and this is the second time. 　In March of this year, he published "Nonou's Picture Book" in order to let Local children know about it. At a roundtable discussion held at the Community Center, Mr. Shinohara said, "I would like to broaden my horizons and experience the history and culture of Jozu with Nonou." He explained his involvement with Sengoku Warlords such as Takeda Shingen, and how the area was spun by people such as the Sanada clan, Yamabushi, and Nonou of Yuzu while playing an active role. 　He also spoke about the endemic nature of Yoshizu, saying, "There were many things related to women, such as being kind to women, and there were a variety of livelihoods." Tyler Lynch, the young husband of Tokura Kamiyamada Hot Spring "Ryokan Kamekiyo," who participated in the event, said, "It is very interesting from a European and Rice perspective. Ms. Shinohara said, "There is no historical record that the priestess had a Gari of espionage activities or that she was acting as a female ninja, but since she was in a position to travel around the country and see and hear various Information, how she used it is Squid world of imagination." Kazuo Hayakawa, secretary general of the Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association, said, "I hope people will learn about the culture of Yoshitsu Village. There is also a culture where Nishinomiya and Higashimachi compete with each other." The historical walking tour was led by Mr. Shinohara and guided by Local officials such as Hiroaki Igarashi and Mr. Hayakawa of Jotsuin. After visiting Nonou's grave, the ruins of the mansion, the alley of Nonou, and the Nishinomiya Shrine, Mr. Shinohara "cleansed his body by bathing in cold Water at this well (the ruins of the mansion)." At the Nishinomiya Shrine, "I used to watch my grandfather printing bills until I was in junior high school." 　At Kanai alley, he said, "You can see Mt. Misaki from here, Mr. Kanai was in charge of the Mt. Mijayama Festival, and there were priestesses and priestesses among the hospitality, and they offered the deer caught on Mt. Misaki to the gods." Visiting the site of the Jotsu-in temple opened by Mr. Yoshitsu under the guidance of Sumitomo Igarashi. 　At the gravesite of the Yoshitsu clan, we learned about Roux and the face of the falconer sect, and the falconry ritual of the Suwa faith. 　In addition to this, we also visited the Maiden River, the megalith of the princess, the Nishinomiya Kabuki Stage, and the Higashimachi Kabuki Stage. Mayumi Castro Kagura, a priestess and writer from Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "I've been interested in Yoshitsu for the past two years and have been coming here frequently. Kaori Yamazaki, a participant from Nagano City, said, "I have walked since I participated in the Walking Priestess Tour four years ago, and this is a good opportunity to listen to the explanations, so I hope it will continue in the future." Yu Takizawa, who participated from Sugadaira Highlands in Ueda City, said, "I'm planning a walking priestess tour with my friends, and I want to dress up as a priestess and walk while thinking about it." On July 7th, the members who participated this time will take the lead in holding the "Walking Priestess Tour" of the Yoshitsu Historical Walk. 　Under the guidance of Mr. Takizawa, the Traditional Culture Study Group groups, and under the guidance of Mr. Tyler, the "Ninja Project groups" will tour Yuzu. < Historical Notes> ◇ Nonou's tour of countries: Emotional support for the common people 　As a mediator between gods and people, Nonou performed "mouth-to-mouth" activities such as ringing the azusa bow and conveying oracles. 　It supported the spirit of the common people from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. The warlord also borrowed Nonou's mouth to obtain a prophecy of victory from the gods, alleviating the fear of death and giving him confidence of victory. 　In the Edo period, the largest number of nonou lived in the Village of Akizu, and there were about 50 nonou houses. With the approval of the Edo shogunate's temple and shrine magistrates, the Saiai Shinto Shinto ritual Maitao and Nonou, who presided over Azusa Jinko, formed a caravan and were able to tour the countries freely. 　In the Meiji era, activities were banned by the religious policy of the new government, and many sought new ways of life, such as closing businesses or immigrating. ◇Minamoto of Nonou Historical soil of Akizu 　As for why priestesses gathered in the Village of Yoshitsu, according to Higashimomachi magazines and magazines, it is considered that the land of Yoshitsu has been a soil for accepting priestesses since ancient times, and place names and remnants related to women and Shinto ritual. 　Tradition reminiscent of the origins of Nonou and the historical climate of Yoshitsu are listed in chronological order. 　▽ From the Kofun period to the Nara period, the central power advanced into the area, and the culture of the ancient center flourished in this area 　▽ The changes in place names that remain in ancient times (Umino Township→ Miss Village→ Maiden Township → Umino Sho) are place names that indicate the local character that has a deep relationship with "Yubu" in ancient times, and the figure of Yube, the priestesses who participated in the requiem Shinto ritual of performing Kagura dances and playing divine spirits, comes to mind 　▽ From the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Edo period, the Shino clan of the Yoshitsu clan made a name for themselves as the best falconers in the eastern part of the country, and there are many secret traditions among the falconers, and shamanism can be seen in them. 　▽ The Yoshitsu clan is strongly associated with medieval Suwa, and the local characters "Mijakuyama", Iwai-do, and Kanai alley that remain in the former Akizu Village convey the faces of the Mijayama Shinto ritual (hunting Shinto ritual) that the Yoshitsu clan would have performed as a clan of the Suwa no kami clan. Mt. Misaki is a hunting ground, and Iwai-do is a remnant of a place (celebration hall) for divine festivals. Kanai alley is a place name that conveys the place of residence of the Kanai clan, who served as a deer priest who prepared dishes to be offered to the gods, and who served as a large city official who dedicated kagura at festivals and conveyed divine proclamations.　▽ During the Sengoku period, Chiyo Mochizuki, who was appointed as the head priestess (priestess) of both Kai and Shinano by a shuin stamp letter from Takeda Shingen, relied on her connections and settled in Yuzu Village. 　▽ In the Edo period, Yoshitsu was the main flag, so it was easy for Nonou and others to work and the backing of the shogunate. Toshin Journal electronic version2025-6-29 12:32 Theme: Quoted from Toumi News No.1 in Japan's Most Walking Priestess Village Picture book of "Yuzu no U"　 Planning and Publication: Nishinomiya Village Development Association (Nonou Research Group) Text: Hirofumi Shinohara Illustration: Hitoshi Maruyama Phone for Contact: 090-8509-5859 (Mr. Shinohara)

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls. It's July and the heat is getting more intense—how is everyone doing? If you go down to Senga Falls, a sightseeing spot in Shosenkyo Gorge, the negative ions and the waterfall's spray will sweep the heat away and create a refreshing coolness. From Yamanashi Wine Kingdom you can even see directly above the falls! There are many photo spots in the Takiue Area, so please capture a memory or two 😌 Especially popular is the giant salamander mascot! Many guests love to take photos with it☺️ By the way, there are said to be salamanders living in Shosenkyo Gorge…? If you meet one, it might bring you good luck! Also, Yamanashi Wine Kingdom launched a new orange wine in July! Made from white grapes using red wine production methods, this wine is crisp yet lets you enjoy the tannic nuance from the skins. Please serve it well chilled 😀 We sincerely look forward to your visit ☺️

Photographed on July 4, 25. This is the Oyster Ice Lottery of Kawagoe Hachimangu. There are three types: strawberries, melons, and lemons. 🍓🍈🍋🍧

Hills and long distances are easy with an e-bike 🚲✨ I’ve summarized the electric-assist bicycle rental information in a blog post! Perfect for strolling around town or walking along the coast ☝️🌈 For rental details, see here https://www.shimoda-city.info/access-bicycle... If you’d like to view this in another language, please use the “English” button at the top right. https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250717...

Electric-propelled Sightseeing Boat (Mihama Town Lake Center) This sightseeing boat operates on Mikata Five Lakes, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, and uses no heavy oil or similar fuels to protect the environment. Power generated by the facility’s solar panels is stored in onboard lithium-ion secondary batteries (about 300 kWh) to run the vessel. The boat is very quiet, and the leisurely 50-minute cruise across calm waters lets you enjoy the rich nature of Mikata Five Lakes. The basic route departs from Lake Kugushi, passes through the Urami River, and circles Lake Suigetsu on an approximately 50-minute course. Onboard guides introduce points of interest and explain how the sightseeing boat works, making it a place for learning about nature and energy. Operating Schedule 1st departure / 9:30–10:20 2nd departure / 10:45–11:35 3rd departure / 13:00–13:50 4th departure / 14:15–15:05 5th departure / 15:30–16:20 Fares Adults (junior high school and older) 1,980 yen (tax included) Children (elementary school) 990 yen (tax included) Preschool children Free Reservations Mihama Town Lake Center TEL 0770-47-5960 Address 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture https://mihama-lakecenter.com/home/...

Photographed on June 23, 25. LEC COFFEE's lemonade soda and coffee jelly. 🥤🍋

Event Announcement📣 The "Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival" will be held on Sunday, July 20.😊 After the railway first reached Rikubetsu in 1910 (Meiji 43), it was abolished in April 2006 (Heisei 18). In April 2008 (Heisei 20), it was reborn as the operational "Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway." Hoping to welcome more riders, we hold the "Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival."🎵 On Saturday, July 19, the eve festival features stage shows and local food stalls!! About 1,500 fireworks will be launched, and a special fireworks train will run so passengers can watch the display from the train (capacity 32 people, 1,500 yen, includes Rikubetsu town specialty products).😍 Eve Festival 📌Date and Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 18:00 📌Venue: Midorimachi Soccer Field 📍Fireworks launch at 20:00 On Sunday, July 20, the main festival is packed with activities, including special train rides, dance and street performances, horse riding experiences, a big lottery, and mochi throwing!! Rikubetsu town’s mascot character "Shibare-kun" and his bouncy dome are a big hit with children!! 📌Date and Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 10:00 📌Venue: Station Front Multipurpose Plaza 📍A comedy stage by Yoshimoto comedians will be held at 14:30😁 Contact Rikubetsu Town Tourism Association Office (Rikubetsu Town Hall, Industrial Promotion Division, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section TEL:0156-27-2141) Enjoy the three-day weekend—bring your family and friends to the event and make lots of great memories🤗 https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/tetsudoumatsuri/...

Photographed on June 23, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's lemonade soda. 🍋

I was finally able to go to the Tengu fire walk, which I had been wanting to Outbound for a long time Fly to New Chitose Airports 3 hours by rental car I finally arrived at Kotohira Shrine The fire crossing of the tengu that I saw here was solemn and mysterious

Photographed on June 23, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's coffee jelly.

Kirigamine and Kurumayama-kata📷️ The nikkōkisuge (daylilies) on Kirigamine in Suwa City are now at their best. Please take care when visiting. Kirigamine and Kurumayama-kata The daylilies are in full bloom! Please drive safely to Suwa City. We are waiting for you!!!

Gion Shrine Summer Festival July 15 was the Gion Shrine’s summer festival⛩ We covered the Morimaki ritual held before the ceremony📷 They shaped the makaya grass gathered that morning into the form of Yamata no Orochi💪 Makaya is stiff, and twisting large amounts at once is a real challenge😅 Still, the Morimaki Ritual Preservation Society finished it with impressive skill✨ The amazake prepared overnight also turned out exceptionally tasty this year😆 There were many more visitors this year, which made us happy😁 The local community cherishes their “Gion-san” It will surely continue together with the community going forward🥰

After prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. Chillax soda muscat and blueberry cream cheese donuts. 🍇🫐

A very large passenger ship was moored at Osanbashi in Yokohama. It seems that many of the passengers were white. Is it a ship from the United States or somewhere? On the hull we could see Celebrity X Cruises and a large logo. Squid, it was a celebrity atmosphere. The blue and white hull is a very summery picture.

Sakai Tourism Concierge recommendation ✨ “📍A special moment to soak in history and beauty at Sakai’s tea room Shin-an 🍵” I’m Azusa Nakase from the Sakai Tourism Concierge. I visited Shin-an, Sakai City’s tea room, to experience a Japanese space that stands quietly in stillness 😆 Built by Kodō Ōgi, renowned as a master of sukiya-style construction, the tea room presents a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition. The moment I stepped inside, I felt time slow down 😌✨ You can also join a tea-serving experience 🍵 and taste matcha with seasonal sweets while touching the culture of chanoyu ☺️ One bowl of tea can enrich the heart so much…🍃 Please stop by during your Sakai sightseeing 🙌🏻 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/spot/detail/107...

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. Yesterday, today and the Annual Grand Festival of Yasaka Shrine in the Precincts. I asked Tengu's eight hands to look up and have the lion head bite his head. I received an amulet and a cucumber and prayed for a safe life. 👺🥒

The World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” Card Rally 2025 is now underway! July 1 (Tuesday)–September 30 (Tuesday) World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” Card Rally 2025: 38 cards in all Event period: July 1, 2025 (Tuesday)–September 30, 2025 (Tuesday) Celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Heritage registration! Set off on an adventure through eight prefectures and 11 cities! The industrial revolution that laid the foundations of modern Japan took place from the late Edo period through the Meiji era. The factories, mines, and shipyards that served as its stages remain across the country as the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution, now listed as a World Cultural Heritage. We are holding a special program to enjoy these history-rich industrial sites: the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” Card Rally 2025! At the designated component sites and related facilities, you can collect cards featuring illustrations of things and people closely connected to the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution. Collect the normal cards available at each facility and get a rare card! Collect specific cards to receive limited-edition cards and premium card holders (quantities limited). From young children to history-loving adults, this event offers both learning and collecting fun. Plus, add the official LINE account as a friend, and a robot named Gear-kun will appear to help you collect cards via LINE! With Gear-kun you can check your digital card collection and easily make inquiries about the card rally via LINE, making it very convenient! This summer, enjoy exploring industrial heritage sites while encountering the passion and technology of the late Edo through the Meiji era. For details, please check the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution 10th Anniversary Special Site.” Inquiries about the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage Council: 099-286-2363 Inquiries about the card rally (general) Organizing Office: 050-2030-7388 Normal card pickup locations — 8 prefectures, 11 cities nationwide Hagi Reverberatory Furnace Guide Hut [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Emisugahana Shipyard Guide Hut [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Obanayama Tatara Museum [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shigetsuki Park Ticket Booth (Site of Hagi Castle) [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shoin Shrine Treasure House Shiseikan [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shoko Shuseikan (Former Shuseikan Foundry Site) Slope [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Former Kagoshima Spinning Mill Engineer’s House (Ijinkan) [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Sekiyoshi Local Products Center [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace Guidance Center Reception [Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture] Hashino Iron Mining Information Center or Iron History Museum [Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture] Sano Tsunetami and the Miezu Naval Arsenal Site History Museum or Saga Castle Honmaru History Museum [Saga City, Saga Prefecture] Gunkanjima Museum or Kosuge Shu Shipyard Site [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Gunkanjima Digital Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Nagasaki Port Terminal [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Takashima Coal Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Takashima Kita-kei Mine nearest bus stop [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Gunkanjima Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] World Heritage Visitor Center [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Miyahara Pit [Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture] Manda Pit Station [Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture] — located inside Manda Pit Station. Coal mine train shelter [Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ※Installed inside the paid area of Manda Pit; on rainy days, after checking your mine entry ticket, staff at the Manda Pit entrance will hand it to you. Omuta City Coal Industry Science Museum [Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture] Ryujokan [Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture] Former Main Office Viewing Area, Imperial Ironworks, Yawata [Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture] Ongagawa Water Source Pump Room Information Center (inside Nakama City Community Exchange Center) [Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture] Manda Pit Station 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto 864-0001 Phone: 0968-57-9155 Closed: Every Monday (if a holiday, the following weekday), December 29–January 3 Manda Pit site tours: Adults 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary/middle school students 210 yen Manda Pit Station exhibition room and DVD screening room tours: Free Parking: Free Bus-only parking [5 large, 3 medium] 72 standard car spaces A motorcycle-only parking area is also available https://diginal.co.jp/card_rally/...

Squid view of Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway in summer. The summit of the Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway overlooks the green mountains and the dynamic summer sky. Komono, Mie Prefecture 2024/8

Event Announcement📣 How are your plans for this weekend? Makubetsu Summer Festa 2025 will take place on Sunday, July 20th🎵 Alongside dance, light rock music, and taiko drumming, there will be games for children and food stalls serving delicious local treats from Makubetsu😁 A grand lottery offers luxurious prizes, including paired travel vouchers!! The festival’s climax will be about 3,000 fireworks that will fill the night sky with brilliant gold😍 Come enjoy the summer festival with friends and family🤗 📌Date and time: Sunday, July 20th, 2025, 1:00 PM–9:00 PM 📌Location: Makubetsu Town Sports Park, special event area 📌Notes * Bringing pets is prohibited. * The entire sports park is smoke-free (including electronic cigarettes). * Grilling and BBQ inside the sports park are prohibited. http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8545...

The summer taste of Kiyokawa Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture: "Clean Peach." The season runs from late June through the end of July, and this rare "phantom peach" is a signature specialty of Kiyokawa Town. The 2025 declaration of the start of the Clean Peach season was made on July 10, 2025. Please try these proud peaches, each carefully and lovingly grown by local farmers. Many visitors come every day. For the latest information and details about Clean Peach sales times and the distribution status of numbered tickets, please check the Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa website. ■ Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa offers many peach-related products, so please stop by when you are driving through the area. Location: Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa (Kiyokawa Furusato Product Center Yume Ichiba: 1574-1 Sunada, Kiyokawa Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture) About a 40-minute drive from Oita Mera IC Hours: March–November 7:30–18:00 / December–February 8:00–17:00 ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250714info-kiyokawa/...

On Saturday, July 12, three swimming beaches in Atami opened for the season simultaneously. At Atami Sun Beach, officials attended a safety prayer ceremony held by Kinomiya Shrine. After the safety prayer ceremony, swimming began at 9:00. Handheld fireworks were given as gifts to the children who had gathered. Enjoy the sea in Atami again this summer! Beach season dates: Saturday, July 12, 2025–Sunday, August 31, 2025 Atami Sun Beach: Higashikaigancho, Atami Nagahama Beach: Kamitaga, Atami Ajiro Onsen Beach: Shimotaga, Atami *Atami Sun Beach Water Park will operate from Saturday, July 19, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025.* https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/34...

Yesterday, I Outbound to the "Nakayoshi Asaichi" held in the Precincts of Semba Toshogu Shrine. It started at 8 o'clock in the morning, so when I arrived around 8:30, there was already a line at every store. 168's Taiwanese rice balls and dragon fruit flea cakes. Mr. 168 was also very Popular.

While the weather was not stable, we aimed for one of the few sunny skies and stayed in a tent with a vine in early summer. Miyama Kirishima dyes the mountainside pink, and a refreshing breeze hits your cheeks. I'm glad I came!!　 Thank you Bogatsuru 😊!　 Thank you Ninefold 😊 Mountains! Location: Mt. Heiji

From Saturday, July 19th, ten beaches in the city will open in sequence.✨ Shimoda offers a variety of distinctive beaches—from Sotoura Beach and Nabedahama, popular with families, to Tatadohama and Shirahama Ohama, favored by surfers—so you’re sure to find the perfect beach for you.👀✨🏖️ The swimming status of each beach will be updated on the Shimoda City Tourism Association website from July 19th.🌊 We do not provide advance forecasts about whether beaches will be open for swimming. Decisions are made based on the day’s sea conditions, such as weather, wave height, and wind strength. Therefore, swimming permissions may change during the day as conditions change, switching from allowed to prohibited or vice versa. For the latest swimming information, please check the Shimoda City Tourism Association website as well as on-site notices and instructions from lifeguards, and enjoy the beach with safety in mind. 👉【Blog】https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250713... 👉【Ten Beaches】https://www.shimoda-city.info/umi... Enjoy another summer by the sea this year.🌊💙

Photographed on July 9, 25. I couldn't stand the heat, so I relaxed in the Hikawa tea garden in the Precincts of Omiya Hikawa Shrine. 🫠 It is a matcha latte and Hikawa rabi mochi kina powder.

Photographed on July 9, 25. Prayer at Omiya Hikawa Shrine. There was a stylish café ands.

Photographed on July 9, 25. We visited Taiwanese tea house e-one in Omiya. It's salted chicken. The salty fried chicken is topped with fried vegetables. It is a salad, radish soup.

Kikuchi Tourism Association offers bicycle rentals. Recently, more people have been using them. This time, we introduce the popular destination, Kiki Castle. Kiki Castle is a mountain fortress built by the Yamato government in the late 7th century, about 1,350 years ago. A prefectural excavation uncovered valuable remains, including the foundations of 72 buildings, a former reservoir, and earthwork embankments. You can also see reconstructed buildings on site. At Onko Soseikan, exhibitions and videos explain Kiki Castle’s history and structure in detail. Excavations have continued since fiscal 1967 to the present. In terms of area, the site is about 12 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The grounds are very spacious, making them ideal for a walk. Our staff actually visited by electric-assist bicycles. We reached Kiki Castle from Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen Plaza in about 20 minutes. There are some slopes, but electric-assist bicycles make riding easy. On the site is a café called Kuri to Sora that sells sweets made with Japanese chestnuts. The Mont Blanc soft-serve is especially popular. Please stop by the café to relax during your trip. You can enjoy scenery you don’t usually see. When you visit Kikuchi City, please enjoy a bicycle journey.

Photographed on July 9, 25. It is a fox lottery of Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin. It is also close to Nagatacho Station.