[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts] Kuraoka Gion Kagura Kuraoka Gion Kagura is a kagura preserved at Kuraoka’s Gion Shrine. Its origins are said to trace back to dances performed in the broad courtyard of the ancient Kogamure Shrine recorded in the Engishiki. In Genryaku 2 / Juei 4 (1185), after the Heike clan’s defeat at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, members of the Heike fled through the Kyushu mountains and reached Kuraoka, then pressed further into the remote mountains toward Shiiba. At that time, court entertainments and sacred music from Kyoto—gigaku, gagaku—and Ise-style kagura that the Heike brought with them blended into the existing local kagura, and over time this fusion developed into a distinctive form. The kagura’s sound is said to have been shaped by a drum made from the trunk of a walnut tree grown in the hidden recesses of Mt. Shiraiwa, stretched with deerhide taken from the remote mountains and bound at both ends with hemp twine; a flute made from bamboo with holes bored in it; and graceful, capital-style rhythms and hand clapping. These elements combined into the unique musical pulse of the Kuraoka kagura. In July 2023, the Kuraoka Gion Kagura Preservation Society revived this ancient kagura drum. Kuraoka Gion Kagura schedule: mid-July (Gion Shrine), early October (Gion Shrine), mid-November (Amanatsu Shrine)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts: Kuwanouchi Shrine Kagura Kuwanouchi Kagura is believed to have begun in the early Meiji era. A surviving costume is dated Meiji 3, and the shrine’s relocation to Habu in the same year suggests the kagura started around that time. The masks used are mainly the hannya mask, more frequently employed than in other kagura, and the performance is characterized by a faster tempo. The whole community works together to pass the tradition to future generations, putting great effort into training successors. In spring and autumn, the kagura is offered at the Kuwanouchi Shrine grand festival. In January, a night-long kagura dedication prays for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of residents. Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura Schedule…Every year on the second Saturday of January

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts] Furutono Shrine Kagura During the Muromachi period, local jinkagura and Iwato kagura were offered together here for rites, but through several revivals Ise kagura became blended in, producing a slower-tempo (roku-choshi) kagura that continues to the present day. The origin of this kagura is the “Amano-Iwato Opening,” and it was performed to pray for a bountiful harvest and household safety. From Taisho 6 (1917) it also included prayers to calm fires; today it additionally includes traffic safety prayers, and a night kagura festival is held every January. Furutono Shrine night kagura schedule…mid-January

Traditional Performing Art of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Ara-Odori (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) The Ara-Odori of Gokase is a style of elegant festival dance that was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property on January 8, 1987 (prefectural designation: May 15, 1962). In February 2021, a group of 41 nationwide “furyu odori” (elegant festival dances), including Gokase’s Ara-Odori, was selected as a candidate for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. A nomination dossier was submitted to UNESCO in March of the same year, and the dances were officially inscribed on November 30, 2022. “Furyu odori” embodies the spirit of flamboyance and eye-catching elegance. Performers wear elaborate costumes and carry decorative props as they dance to songs and the sound of flutes, drums, and small gongs. Across Japan, 42 furyu odori entries (covering 25 prefectures and 43 municipalities) are designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. In Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokase’s Ara-Odori is the only designated example. These dances carry prayers from local communities for protection from calamities, memorials for the dead, prosperous harvests, and rain. Villagers of all ages take part during festivals and annual events. Each locality’s history and natural environment are reflected in its performance, and the dances serve as a vital source of community energy. The Ara-Odori of Gokase is said to have begun in the Tensho era (1573–1592) when Sakamoto Iga no Kami Masayuki, lord of Sakamoto Castle (upstream of the Mikasho River), started the dance to raise his troops’ morale before going to war. Later, in the Keicho era (1596–1615), his grandson Sakamoto Yamashiro no Kami Nyudo Kyukaku established a ritual code for offering the dance to the guardian deity Futakami Daimyojin (now Mikasho Shrine). At that time, it is said that a successor from the temple called shinbochi oversaw funerary rites, and a monkey kept at the temple was also made to join the dance. One theory holds that the dance originated in Sakamoto, in Ōmi Province (modern Shiga Prefecture). However, the Nisshu Takachiho Kokon Jiran-ki (collected in Volume 4 of the Hyuga Local Historical Materials) records that descendants of Sasaki Rokkaku Takayori from Ōmi fled to Takachiho and served the Mitai clan; their descendants later took the names Saho, Sakamoto, and Masaki. The Sakamoto mentioned here is not the Sakamoto of Sakamoto Castle but the Sakamoto from Mukoyama to Kanegase, a separate lineage with its own origins distinct from the Minamoto, Oogami, or Fujiwara clans. Ara-Odori schedule: every year on the fourth Sunday of September

Gion’s Great Hinoki in Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture This hinoki was hidden from public view for a long time but came to attention during Gokasecho’s “Search for Local Treasures” in 2000. Its large trunk splits into eight distinctive branches partway up, creating a striking shape. Located inside an old cemetery, it is believed to have been planted as a guardian tree.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Gion Shrine Gion Shrine was founded around the 16th year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign (around 525 AD) when an epidemic swept the Chihogō area in central Kyushu. It was established in Kuraoka, at the heart of the region, as a protector deity prayed to for the removal of disease and misfortune. Locals affectionately call it “Gion-san.” On the shrine grounds stands a zelkova tree said to have been planted by Nasu Daihachiro and Munemasa when they visited in Genkyu 2 (1205). Designated a town natural monument, this giant tree is about 37 meters tall and has an estimated age of roughly 800 years. Deities enshrined: Sobo no Kami / Susanoo no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Oonamuchi no Mikoto, Kushinadahime no Mikoto, Itsuse no Mikoto, Somin Shorai, Kotan Shorai, Tenman Tenjin, Ashinazuchi no Kami, Tenazuchi no Kami, Inari Daimyojin

Photographed on July 2, 24. It is the Tanabata Festival of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. 🎋 Due to the shooting time, the light came in.

Photographed on July 2, 24. It is the Precincts of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It's Tanabata. 🎋

Mt. Tsubakuro in the Northern Alps is ablaze with the beautiful blooms of komakusa, the queen of alpine flowers.

Shiraito Falls Camera / #canon EOS Kiss #X9i Lens / EF-S18-55mm F4-5.6 IS STM A waterfall that I found when I went touring with a friend and went to Jozankei There were no customers, and it was great to feel a little secluded because it was a little far from the Jozankei inn town.

The 42nd Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture "Mikuni Fireworks Festival" 🎆 The Mikuni fireworks festival, which has become a summer tradition in Hokuriku, will be Held in again this 🙌🏻✨ year Tickets for the paid bleachers are currently on sale 📢 Enjoy ☺🎆 the largest underwater fireworks in Hokuriku, up to 2 shaku fireworks, and a total of about 15,000 fireworks For details, please visit the official Account ▶ @mikunihanabi Instagram Or check out the website! ❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁ Held in Date: Sunday, August 11, 2024 Held in place: Mikuni Mr./Ms. Set Beach Sakai City Mikuni Town inn, Rice Waki, Kuzuryu Boat Park Sakai City Mikuni Town Shinbo Launch time: 19:30~20:30 *In case of stormy weather, it will be postponed to the 12th and 13th. ❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁.｡.:*:.｡.✽.｡.:*:.｡.❁

【🌸Gokasecho Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024🌸】 Thank you for entering the Instagram campaign "Gokasecho Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024"! We will decide the winners by votes from our followers✨ Followers, please choose one work from the 12 entries and comment its number in the comments of this post✍ Voting is limited to one vote per account. [Voting period: until July 5] The posted images are screenshots of the applicants' photos, so the image quality is poor. We apologize for that. Please also view the entrants' original posts on Instagram before voting😃 1. @__torippy.__ 2. @yasuyochan.192 3. @yuichi_5101 4. @amiamibz 5. @niidome2110 6. @inoshima0124 7. @akihiko.shinchi 8. @sakai_0808 9. @mgm_1228 10. @aiaiaiaiaiaiai77 11. @gokase_pan 12. @goto0619 We will hold a lottery and give Gokasecho specialty products to 10 randomly selected voters🎁 We look forward to your votes✨

After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I usually relax at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. Hojicha Classic Tea Latte and Lemon Cube Cake. 🍋

This is the Kazaguruma of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Direct Meeting. When I Prayer on July 1st, it was still Restrooms available.

Lunch has started 😋✨ "Heshiko Workshop Resting Place Minami" A restaurant 🍴 loved by Locals in Mikuni Minato, a port towns that flourished in the Kitamae ship trade from Edo to Meiji It is ♪🙌 a restaurant where you can enjoy plenty of Fukui Prefecture's local cuisine, "Heshiko" What is "Heshiko"? 👀🔍 Local cuisine in which the internal organs of the fish are taken out, pickled in salt, and then pickled in rice bran. In the case of Minami no, it is pickled in rice bran, which condenses the delicious taste of the high-quality fat of mackerel, and because it is shallowly pickled with low salt content, it is a 💘 Gastronomical delicacies 💁🏻 ♀️✨ that you should definitely taste at least once This time, we will introduce the following: "Minami's best set that takes advantage of the characteristics of Heshiko rice bran" A lunch menu that takes advantage of the characteristics of Minami no popular menu and Heshiko rice bran, and is limited 👀 to 15 meals a day! The fried horse mackerel pickled in homemade Heshiko rice bran is decomposed by the characteristics of fermented Heshiko rice bran, and the contents are surprisingly crispy ~ plump! 😻💕 In addition to deep-fried kombu skewers and fried chicken, which are also Minami no big Popular menu, it is a well-bari set full of recommendations such as taste Jade, broiled Heshiko flakes 💃, etc 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 Heshiko Workshop Minami Resting Place　 3-5-26 Sanno, Sakai City Mikuni Town, Fukui Business hours: Open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays *Course meal reservation required 2 days in advance 11:00 ～ 15:00L.O.14:15 16:30～21:00L.O.20:30 Regular holiday: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Other temporary closures available Parking lot: 5 cars in Parking Lot 1, Parking Lot 2 6 cars 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 𓈒 𓂃 In addition to lunch, you can Use for various occasions such as banquets, ceremonies, and dinners at the beginning of meals, and Souvenirs can also be purchased 🎁🙆🏻 ♀️

Tojinbo Mikuni Hot Spring Yuaport ♨ Located at the southern end of Mikuni Mr./Ms. Set Beach, it is a popular One-day hot spring facilities not only for Local but also for tourists who can take a bath while looking at the Sea of Japan ☺️🍹 From "Minato Yu", the Nine-headed Dragon River flows into the ocean, From "Kamome no Yu", you can ✨ see Mikuni Mr./Ms. Set Beach where the Sunset sets The spring quality of "Tojinbo Mikuni Hot Spring" is a sodium-calcium-chloride spring. Salt covers the skin like a veil and keeps it warm and moisturized, so it is effective for cold sensitivity and Relief from fatigue! Healing your ♨ daily fatigue And after 🪄 taking a bath We recommend 💖 taking a break or dining at the Mr./Ms. Lounge where you can see the Horizon or the sea terrace on the 2nd floor Photogenic sweets, Seasonal menu, and photogenic interiors... ✨ It is a 🥰 space where you can relax and unwind. Also, the morning bath that is Held in regularly and the Fun performance are also noteworthy 👀! 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 Tojinbo Mikuni Hot Spring Yuaport Fukui Prefecture Sakai City Mikuni Town inn 2-18-1 TEL: 0776-82-7070 Phone reception: 10:00~23:00 Business hours: 10:00~23:00 Last reception 22:30 Closed: 3rd Wednesday of every month 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍

Fukui: 💗 Lots of love! Welcome to Sakai City! In front of the Mikuni Station Tourist Information Center on the Echizen Railway Mikuni Station A local capsule toy is now available 🤩🎉. There are two patterns of shapes, an acrylic stand and an acrylic object, and there are a total of 9 types Restrooms available of patterns, and ✌️✨ there are a lot of cute sights and Specialties that are perfect for Fukui souvenirs. You can only get the Hokuriku Shinkansen W7 series and Fukui Station designs at Fukui Station, Nanjo SA, and Mikuni Station Sightseeing Information Center 👀! Squid 💗 for memories and souvenirs of your trip Please feel free to stop by ☺️

This Spring Renewal 📢 "Wind Forest" Located on a small hilltop in Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, it is a popular inn as a tourist base.•* ̈* 🍀 The wallpaper in the Inside the Museum uses precious Katsugaya stone, which is also used for the tiles of Maruoka Castle, and Echizen washi paper, which is counted as one of the three Daiwa papers in Japan. The interior of the newly renovated guest room 1 room has a glossy lacquered floor and Echizen washi wallpaper. 💎 It has 😌🪄 a profound and modern Japanese atmosphere The orange sunset that can be seen from the guest room is sure 🌅👌🏻✨ to heal your tired mind and body Restrooms available are large public baths with open-air baths and Roux with semi-open-air baths ♨️ For dinner, we recommend 🍴✨ eating out courses that you can choose from miyoshiro teppanyaki, S'Amuser French, Birdland Italian, Ushiwakamaru yakiniku, etc. You can 👍🏻✨choose from a wide variety of partner stores that Representative the gourmet Towns︎ ́- 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 Forest of the Wind 〒913-0048 4-5-16 Midorigaoka, Sakai City Mikuni Town, Fukui TEL：0776-97-9880 Reservations 9:00~19:00 Check-in/15:00 Check-out/10:00 Parking: Free 8 cars All rooms are equipped with WIFI ◈ Japanese modern 12 tatami Roux 1 room new! ◈ Roux with double semi-open-air bath 1 room ◈Japanese-style room 12 tatami Roux 4 rooms 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍

Sakai City's uniqueness shines. Official character⭐ "Hoyamaru Sakai" What is "Sakai Hoyamaru"? 🔍👀 An apprentice detective dog Pomeranian 🐾 who is an official character of Sakai City who just exploded on March 23 and is looking for the "uniqueness" of Sakai City Although I am looking for "uniqueness" in Tojinbo and Maruoka Castle, I'm not good at heights and I tremble ... ꒰ᐢ´• ·̭ •`ᐢ꒱💦 The hat with the image of columnar joints "Tohiro hat" is a charm point ⭐ Please come 🍮🐾 to "Sakai Hoyamaru"

This is the Kazaguruma of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Direct Meeting. When I Prayer on July 1st, I was still Restrooms available.

Memories of Shirakawa-go Shirakawa-go in early summer taken when I was still able to drive to the Observation decks Currently, you have to take a shuttle bus or walk to this observation decks. At night, the parking lot of the village is closed, so it is a scenery that can no longer be photographed. The four photos are combined with the comparative names.

Nagaoka Fireworks 3 Shaku Jade 1945 Showa 20, the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival" was Held in the following year as a memorial to those who died in the Nagaoka air raid on August 1 and to pray for the reconstruction Origin of Nagaoka, Restrooms available later the 2nd and 3rd were designated as "fireworks festival Days" and are still passed down to this day. Taken from about 5 km away, it is a masterpiece 3 shaku Jade

It is the mauve color of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and the light mauve wind chime. At the Prayer on July 1, it had already been removed.

Nice to meet you! We are Fukui Prefecture DMO Sakai Tourism Bureau. Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture is a charming area where rich nature, beautiful landscapes, and history and culture intersect. Sakai City lies in northern Fukui Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. In our Cool Japan video, we will introduce Sakai City’s recommended sightseeing spots, local specialties, and historical background in detail. We appreciate your interest! ■■■ Access Rail and car travel provide convenient access to Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen has improved access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. From JR Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Main Line, buses run to various locations around the city, making it easy to reach sightseeing spots. You can also drive via the Hokuriku Expressway, using Kanazu I.C. or Maruoka I.C. ■■■ Nature and Scenery Sakai City offers many beautiful natural landscapes. The most famous is Tojinbo. Tojinbo is a series of sheer cliffs jutting into the Sea of Japan; formed over more than 10,000 years, its dramatic scenery overwhelms visitors. Nearby is Mikuni Port, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. ■■■ History and Culture Sakai City is also rich in history and culture. During the Edo period, Mikuni prospered as a port for Kitamae-bune trading ships. The historic townscape of Mikuni Minato remains preserved today, and a stroll there evokes the atmosphere of the Edo era. The Mikuni Festival, held every May, features ornate floats parading through the streets and draws many visitors. ■■■ Local Specialties and Gourmet Food Sakai City offers many delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Especially famous is Echizen crab. In winter, visitors flock to savor freshly caught Echizen crab. Also exceptional are Mikuni Port’s sweet shrimp, Fukui-grown Koshihikari rice, Wakasa beef, and Echizen soba, allowing you to fully enjoy local flavors. ■■■ Sightseeing Spots Sakai City has plenty of attractions beyond its history and nature. Below are popular sights in Sakai City with their highlights. ■ Tojinbo Tojinbo, one of Fukui Prefecture’s premier attractions, has served as the filming location for many dramas. Facing the Sea of Japan, the cliffs rise more than 20 meters high and extend roughly one kilometer, presenting overwhelming natural beauty. Such extensive columnar jointing is rare worldwide and is listed among the world’s three great columnar formations. The sight of cliffs over 20 meters tall in succession is worth seeing. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise—the cliffs glowing in the sunset are unforgettable. ■ Mikuni Minato This historic port town prospered in the Edo period as a Kitamae-bune port. The nostalgic old streets remain, offering a pleasant historical stroll. Notable sights include the former Kishina family residence, the former Morita Bank head office, and Mikuni Shrine. You can also taste fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and Mikuni’s spicy soba topped with grated karami daikon (hot radish). ■ Maruoka Castle Also called Kasumi-ga-jo, Maruoka Castle is famous for having one of Japan’s oldest surviving main keeps. Built in 1576, it still stands today and is designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and a National Important Cultural Property. In spring, cherry trees around the castle bloom beautifully, and the site is selected among Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots for hanami. ■ Shibamasa World A large family-oriented amusement park spanning 560,000 square meters. It features one of the country’s largest dinosaur attractions and an indoor play area called Kids Paradise, making it a theme park you can enjoy all day. In summer, it operates one of Japan’s largest resort pools and offers limited-time night pools. Golf, barbecue, and other year-round activities are also available. ■ Echizen Matsushima Aquarium This aquarium facing the Sea of Japan is popular for its dolphin and sea lion shows. It offers hands-on feeding experiences and overnight aquarium stays among many activities. With exhibits of various marine life, it entertains both children and adults. ■■■ Summary of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, blends natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious local specialties into a compelling destination. We will continue sharing more information about its many attractions, and we hope you will visit Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture!

Outdoor Festival will be Held in in Nayoro City, Hokkaido! "Nayoro's Outdoor Festival" August 3 Sat at Furenbokodai Nature Park, Nayoro City's first outdoor festival has been held in! Outdoor guides living in Nayoro gathered, Activities such as still water canoeing, fishing, and exploring nature can be enjoyed in one day! In addition, gourmet food such as pizza making experience, Tentipi's super-large tent STRATUS72 will also appear! Outdoor writer Hobo Jun will also appear! Event details will be announced as they become available. For details, search for "Nayoro Sightseeing & Town Planning Association"! Those who want to keep memories of summer Vacation, those who want to start camping and the outdoors, and those who want to enjoy the outdoors more than now、、、 We look forward to seeing you there!

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. Kazaguruma was taken on June 29. The kazaguruma had been removed.

"Senjokaku Pavilion" in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture The shadows stretching out were very beautiful

"Senjokaku Pavilion" in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture The shadows stretching out were very beautiful

"Itsukushima Shrine / Five-story pagoda" in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture I love the staircase in the foreground because it is tasteful

"Koi Castle, Hiroshima Castle" in Hiroshima City Surrounded by cherry blossom trees, you can see a beautiful fresh greenery in Spring