Today, we Prayer the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chime and the zaguruma were safe. I pray that the festival will be held safely.

As the dank Ume plum rain sky continues, the long-awaited Tendo-sama! !! I took my three-year-old son out and enjoyed Nature at Denoyama Park in Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It was fun to drift on the lake in a boat under the blue sky, looking at ducks by the water, the blue sky for the first yellowtail time in a long time, and the carp that came to feed on it. In addition to being on the surface of the lake, the wind was blowing with only a slight flutter of hair at the time of shooting, and I was able to enjoy the coolness.

Photographed on 7/22/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of the entrance on the Hon-Kawagoe Station side of Honkawagoe Pepe. I'm wondering if yesterday's rainstorm made the wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine safe.

The Gion Festival is also known as the "Moving Art Museum". The Yamaboko that suddenly appears in the usual scenery Blend in with the cityscape of Kyoto Impression every year by the beauty of the decorations.

Photographed on 7/22/24. It is a wind chime on the edge of Kawagoe Ichiban Street and a lantern of the Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival. In today's rainstorm, the wind chime shelf and wind chime were broken, so it seems that this year's exhibition of rim musubi wind chimes in Kawagoe Ichiban Street has ended.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Takaharu Town Tourism Association. Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture, lies at the foot of MtTakachihonomine in the southwest of Kyushu. It is a town surrounded by beautiful nature. The town’s population is about 8,000 people (as of June 2024), and it is known for scenery that changes with the seasons. Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture charms visitors with its rich natural environment and historical background, offering heartwarming experiences. The name Takaharu is said to come from Takamagahara, the high plain where the gods dwell in Japanese mythology. Here is some recommended information about Takaharu, a town closely linked to Japanese mythology. ■■■Access to Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Airport - Access to Takaharu You can reach Takaharu from Miyazaki Airport by the following means. By car: It takes about 45 minutes from Miyazaki Airport to Takaharu via the Miyazaki Expressway. By train: From Miyazaki Airport, transfer between the JR Miyazaki Airport Line, the JR Nippo Main Line, and the JR Kitto Line to reach takaharu station in about two hours. ■■■History, Legends, and Myths of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu has long been a region where myths and legends live on, and many stories have been passed down here. It is said to be the birthplace and childhood home of Emperor Jimmu, and many local place names around Takaharu relate to him. The Tenson Korin, the heavenly descent in Japanese myth, is said to have taken place at MtTakachihonomine in Takaharu. Legends about the birth of the land by Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto and the Ama-no-Sakahoko stuck into the summit of MtTakachihonomine at the time of descent remain. ■■■Popular Sightseeing Spots in Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Sayano Shrine Sayano Shrine is one of Takaharu’s representative shrines and is said to have been established on the site where Emperor Jimmu was born as recorded in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. A grand avenue lined with cedar trees, said to be the longest shrine approach in Japan, covers the precincts, and its tranquil atmosphere moves visitors deeply. ■Kirishima Higashi Shrine Kirishima Higashi Shrine sits on the eastern foot of MtKirishimayama and is known as one of the Kirishima Rokusha Gongen. Kirishima Jingu in Kagoshima Prefecture prospered as “West Kirishima Shrine,” while Kirishima Higashi Shrine was known as “East Kirishima Shrine.” From the shrine you can enjoy grand views of MtKirishimayama, and the autumn colors particularly attract many visitors. ■Kasumi Shrine Kasumi Shrine is said to grant blessings for agriculture, livestock, health, matchmaking, good fortune, and business success. Legend says that worshiping the white snake that lives in a rock cave on the shrine grounds brings good luck. ■Oujibaru Park Oujibaru Park is a vast park representing Takaharu and a natural treasure to enjoy year-round. You can enjoy wood-themed play areas such as Oujibaru no Ki, where children play with wooden toys, and the roofed play equipment Moo-rii that lets you feel the warmth of wood. ■Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground is an outdoor spot developed around Koushiobaru Shrine where visitors can enjoy camping in nature. Around the campground you can find burial mounds, walking trails, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and go-karts, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The site offers facilities that make it easy for camping beginners to use, so anyone can enjoy an outdoor experience with confidence. ■Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Takaharu is also a rich hot-spring area spreading across the Kirishima range, and the town has four hot-spring facilities. This hot-spring village breathes history and tradition, with abundant springs offering various benefits. The spring types include sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs, and iron springs, which are said to improve skin and relieve fatigue. Facilities where you can enjoy high-concentration carbonated springs are also popular. From open-air baths and private baths you can enjoy beautiful seasonal natural scenery. Local cuisine made with regional ingredients is another major attraction. ■Totoro Statue A statue of Totoro, a character from the animated film My Neighbor Totoro, stands in a rural setting in Takaharu. Surrounded by lush natural scenery, the statue makes visitors feel as if they are inside the film. It is a popular photo spot and a memorable place for visitors. ■■■■Local Specialties of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Beef Takaharu is a region with thriving livestock farming, and Miyazaki Beef, representative of the town, is a highly regarded premium wagyu both in Japan and abroad, known for its quality. Its fine marbling and tender texture fill your mouth with rich flavor from the first bite. ■Aged Takaharu Ash-Dried Meat This is meat ash-dried using ash from eruptions of MtShinmoedake. Volcanic ash absorbs excess moisture and odors, enhancing umami and tenderizing the ingredient. These specialties are also popular return gifts for hometown tax donations. ■■■Tourist Information for Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu offers abundant nature and a compelling historical backdrop. Visit Takaharu to encounter Japanese myths and legends. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture, so please follow us.

On the morning of the Gion Festival procession, The figure of the Yamaboko quietly waiting for its turn There and a little tension in the silence, It gave off an indescribable aura.

Photographed on 7/22/24. At the Otorii Gate of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, it is a "cloud on the ground" that appears. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photographed on 7/22/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. Yesterday, I Visiting the site of the Goma Prayer. The prayer for protection was very powerful and.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Specialty and Souvenir: Takana Nikuman Takana nikuman is a local gourmet treat sold only during the winter season. Its main fillings are takana (pickled mustard greens), bamboo shoots harvested in Gokasecho, and minced pork. The ingredients are stir-fried with sesame oil, sugar, and soy sauce to bring out their deep natural flavors and aromas. A spicy homemade mustard is also included, recommended for adding a flavorful kick. Loved both within and beyond the town, this is a must-try delicacy. Enjoy!

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho specialty souvenir: Hanameguri (yokan and yuzu yokan) Hanameguri is a handmade yokan made from Gokase-grown azuki beans that are slowly simmered over time and carefully kneaded by hand for many hours. You can taste the full flavor of the azuki beans, and the exquisite balance of sweetness and saltiness reveals a profound flavor that opens your eyes the moment you bite into it. Enjoy a peaceful moment with this Gokasecho specialty paired with the rare kama-iri tea, a local prized tea.

Specialties and Souvenirs of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Gokase Yamame Gokase Yamame are fish raised in the yamame village at the source of the Gokase River, skewered and charcoal-grilled until golden and seasoned to perfection. Varieties include lightly sweet-and-salty simmered yamame (yamame kanroni), ginger-flavored simmered yamame (yamame shiguren), yamame slowly stewed with sansho pepper (yamame sanshoni), and yamame gently simmered wrapped in kombu seaweed so the fish broth soaks into the kelp (yamame kombu-maki). The bones are soft, making them safe and easy to eat for children and older adults.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho local product and souvenir: Babba Club’s karinto Karinto made by the Kawanochi district processing group Babba Club These additive-free snacks focus on safety and peace of mind. They also make Adam cookies and longevity senbei. Handmade pickles are also popular.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty and Souvenir: Log-grown shiitake mushrooms These "log-grown shiitake" thrive in clear air, fertile soil, and mineral-rich water They are a local specialty prized for their rich aroma and texture They also make a recommended gift for someone special.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs: Gokase Wine Nestled in rich nature atop a hill at 660 meters stands Gokase Winery. A climate with large temperature swings and pure water nurtures grapes with an exquisite balance of sugar and acidity. “We wanted to make wine using 100% locally grown grapes.” With that wish, the winery opened in 2005. Wines made from freshly harvested grapes have a juicy, fruity character. Please enjoy wines made from 100% Gokase-grown grapes, filled with the scent of the earth. Wine Introductions ■ Niagara (white, sweet — most popular) Grape variety: Niagara This white wine made from the table grape Niagara has a beautiful golden color. Aroma reminiscent of osmanthus with added fresh notes makes for a pleasantly refreshing sweet wine. ■ Delaware (white, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Delaware The pale yellow hue of Delaware is easy on the eyes in this white wine. Its citrus-like aroma and fresh acidity pair well with a wide range of meat dishes. ■ Chardonnay (white, medium dry) Grape variety: Chardonnay Chardonnay shows a lovely pale yellow-green that evokes Gokase’s spring buds. Its lively acidity is refreshing and leaves a clean finish. This crisp, slightly dry style pairs well with fish-based Japanese cuisine. ■ Campbell Early (rosé, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Campbell Early This slightly sweet rosé locks in the grape’s fresh fragrance and natural sweetness. Its vivid color is as striking as a sunset pouring over Kuwanochi. ■ Yuhi (red, dry) Grape varieties: Merlot, Petit Verdot Merlot and Petit Verdot were aged carefully in barrels for one year. This light-bodied red balances gentle acidity and tannin for easy drinking. ■ Juju (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Niagara Keeping Niagara’s characteristic aroma, this sparkling version transforms it into a crisp Niagara. It has a refreshing mouthfeel. ■ Oubu (sparkling, rosé) Grape variety: Campbell Early A sparkling wine made from the table grape Campbell Early. Enjoy its mature, developed flavor. ■ Ryoka (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Chardonnay A sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, featuring youthful, fresh fruit aromas and moderate acidity. It is dry and sharp in taste and pairs excellently with fish dishes. ■ Akane (red, dry) This is a half bottle (360 ml). Named Akane to evoke the beautiful autumn sunset skies visible from Gokase Winery. A Merlot-dominant red. Akane, finished dry, rested in stainless tanks for a light taste. It features gentle tannins and clean acidity. Other options include half (360 ml) bottles of Niagara, Rosé, and Chardonnay.

[Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho] Local Specialty and Souvenir: kama-iri tea Kama-iri tea is made by pan-frying tea leaves instead of steaming them. This method, similar to the process used for oolong tea, brings out the tea’s natural aroma. Compared with standard steamed teas, it boasts a light, refreshing flavor and excellent fragrance that make it easy to drink cup after cup.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Hinatamichi Hinatamichi is an izakaya in the Kuraoka area This izakaya, where you can also sing karaoke, fills up with locals In summer, guests can enjoy a beer garden as well Because the restaurant has irregular holidays, it’s best to call ahead before visiting Hours: Contact for details Closed: Irregular holidays Contact 3263 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2360

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Yakitori Masa-chan When night falls in Gokasecho, this is the place to be: Yakitori Masa-chan With a wide variety of yakitori and a cold beer, you might just feel like a true Gokase local!? Besides yakitori, they offer a selection of proud signature dishes! Hours: From 17:00 Closed: Sundays Contact 10650-5, Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1541

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet] Takara Shop A snack bar you can also use for after-parties. It's a good idea to call ahead before visiting. [Hours] 7:00 PM–1:00 AM [Closed] Irregular holidays [Contact] 10650-1, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1539

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Akaneya Sabou Akaneya Sabou sits on a hilltop It opened in 2021 as a cafe with views of Mt. Aso. Their hamburgers are perfect for lunch, and the monthly limited lunch menu is also popular. This is the only restaurant in Gokasecho where you can dine with your dog. Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Wednesdays Contact 67 Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1107

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Rest House Shima Rest House & Guesthouse Shima sits along National Route 265 by the Gokase River Here you can enjoy dishes like seafood champon and a Takachiho beef set meal The champon in particular is loaded with toppings and very filling! Feel free to stop by just for a meal Hours: Irregular holidays Contact 4871-1 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2837

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: IL gardino della corasita IL gardino della corasita is a garden café–style restaurant run by the auberge corasita, a stay-in restaurant operated by a tomato farm. (IL gardino della corasita means "corasita's garden" in Italian.) Dinner service is available only on nights when no overnight guests are staying. The restaurant is also available for lunch, celebrations, banquets, and trainings. Hours of operation By reservation only Lunch 11:30–13:30 (last order 13:00) Dinner 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00) Closed: irregular holidays Please note that if someone is staying on your desired date, dinner cannot be served. Outdoor garden seating depends on the season and weather; please inquire when making your reservation.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet] CORASITA (Corashita) Corasita is a reservation-only restaurant where owner Hiromi Fujiki, a certified Italian cuisine researcher, serves traditional Italian home cooking, especially from Tuscany, using proudly homegrown tomatoes from her own farm. Dinner is available only on nights when no overnight guests are staying. The restaurant is also available for lunch, celebrations, banquets, and training events. [Hours] Reservation only Lunch 11:30–13:30 (last order 13:00) Dinner 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00) [Closed] Irregular holidays *Please note that dinner cannot be served if there are guests staying on your desired date. [Contact] Phone: 0982-83-2017

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Kurunkonne Kurunkonne, a café in Gokasecho where you can read manga This place also serves as a relaxing spot where you can refresh yourself. They hold monthly events, so why not treat yourself? The owner’s proud takoyaki and takakibi veg hot sandwiches are highlights, and the café offers a full range of drinks and desserts. Hours: 11:00–17:00 (hours may change) Closed: See the business calendar Contact 9719-1 Sangkasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-0308

Photographed on 7/22/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. Prayer early in the morning, the Hanachozu water is sparkling in the sun.

‘Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll’ Confirmed!! ■Saturday, October 5, 2024 1:00 PM–5:00 PM This event invites you to walk along about 500 meters of Koshu Kaido and visit five sake breweries lined up there, enjoying a town stroll and fine local sake. Following last year, the main venue will again be set up as a pedestrian zone. We warmly look forward to your participation. ※Please note that on October 5, individual paid tastings at each of the five breweries and the five‑brewery tour will be suspended all day. About the Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll Along Koshu Kaido near JR Kami‑Suwa Station, five sake brewers stand side by side. Locally known as the Suwa Five Breweries, they work with residents who cherish the town’s history and culture to preserve regional food traditions. This event began in 1998 when residents organized a simultaneous opening of the five breweries so everyone could enjoy local sake. This year marks the 40th occasion. In addition to local sake and cuisine, the whole area around JR Kami‑Suwa Station becomes a day for residents and visitors from inside and outside Nagano Prefecture and abroad to enjoy together: the Suwa Five Breweries simultaneous brewery opening day. You can walk among the five breweries, choose each brewery’s proud offerings, and enjoy comparing their tastes. Each brewery will offer at least five types of local sake for visitors to try. Enjoy Shinshu’s food culture at snack stalls run by local residents. Please relax and enjoy your sake and snacks at the rest areas within the venue. ★Event Details Date and Time Saturday, October 5, 2024 1:00 PM–5:00 PM Held rain or shine Participation Ticket Price 4,000 yen (tax included) Number of Tickets 3,000 How to Purchase Tickets eplus (e‑plus) Sales start Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM Reception Desk ■Location Suwappea Station Front Exchange Terrace (Suwacchao) Ark Suwa 3F, 1‑6‑1 Suwa, Suwa, Nagano ■Reception Hours 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Exchange for the original participation hinoki masu (cedar sake box) Main Venue Suwa Five Breweries Street, Motomachi, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture About 600 meters toward Tokyo from JR Kami‑Suwa Station. Route 20 running through the venue will be reserved for pedestrians. Please see the link below for details. ※Please use public transportation to reach the venue. ※There is no parking available. ※Do not park without permission around the venue. Inquiries Suwa Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) Phone: 0266‑52‑2111 (Reception hours Weekdays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) Requests for Visitors at the Venue Residents also live in the streets that become the venue. Please follow the rules below. ・Please be careful not to drink too much Excessive drinking can cause acute alcohol poisoning or other health problems. ・Tasting just enough to feel pleasantly tipsy is the best way to enjoy the event. ・Please use the toilets. ・The venue is in a residential area. Do not urinate or defecate outside restroom facilities. ・Please eat and drink at the designated rest areas. ・Eating and drinking outside the venue inconveniences residents greatly. Consuming food or drink outside the rest areas provided by the executive committee is prohibited. ・Drunk driving is strictly prohibited. ・It is illegal to drive cars, bicycles, or other vehicles after drinking. ・Please check your health on the morning of the event. ・Those with a body temperature of 37.5°C or higher on the day cannot participate. ・Please confirm your health before coming; if you feel unwell, refrain from attending. ・Tickets will not be refunded for nonattendance due to poor health. ※For more details, search the web for “上諏訪街道 まちあるき 吞みあるき”!!! We look forward to seeing you🎶

Photographed 7/20/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

【🌻 Summer Gokase 2024 Campaign 🌻】 We're doing it again this year! An Instagram campaign 💪✨ Post a photo of your favorite summer scene in Gokasecho—people, buildings, nature, anything that feels like summer—on Instagram with the hashtags #Gokase and #Summer Gokase 2024! Every day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokasecho! Outstanding entries will also receive assortments of Gokasecho specialty products!! Entries you post will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media channels as they are received. [Period] From Monday, July 22, 2024 to Saturday, August 31, 2024 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Prizes] (Contents may change.) Gold Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Silver Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Bronze Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Daily Prize…Gokasecho specialty product — one winner per day during the campaign [Eligibility] Anyone who agrees to the terms of use [How to Enter] 1) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2) Post a summer photo taken in Gokasecho on Instagram with the hashtags #Gokase and #Summer Gokase 2024 ■Anyone may enter with a summer photo taken within Gokasecho. ■Winners will be contacted by the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account @gokase_kanko. (If you do not reply within two weeks, the entry will be invalid.) ■Entries from accounts that block direct messages or are set to private are not eligible. ■Please respect subjects’ portrait rights when photographing people and obtain permission when necessary; follow proper manners. ■Posted photos may be published on the Gokase Tourism Association website or its social media. Publication does not guarantee winning the Daily Prize. *Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them before applying.* Come find the Gokase summer you love 🥰 It's already getting hot, so remember to stay hydrated and replenish salts, and please take care to avoid heatstroke ⚠️

Neapolitan pizza and wood-fired restaurant "Birdland" A cute log house shop "Birdland" in Mikuni Town Here, you can enjoy 🍕 pizza made by the owner who trained in Naples Neapolitan pizza is characterized 😋 by its thick dough and elastic texture Freshly baked, it is very chewy and very satisfying! In addition to Standard's Margherita and the most popular porcini, you can also enjoy ✨ unique menu unique dishes unique to this restaurant, such as Heshiko pizza with plenty of cheese and bonito flakes on Fukui's Township Heshiko In addition, Birdland is the only shop in the prefecture that has been certified by the "True Neapolitan Pizza Association", and it is a genuine Neapolitan pizza! The kiln that bakes such authentic pizza is a bright blue color that expresses the sea of Mikuni and Naples! You can see it from the dining table, so be 🐠 sure to check it out 🎈 Neapolitan pizza and wood-fired restaurant Birdland @pizzeriabirdlandInstagram Address: 4-19-21 Mikuni Midorigaoka, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture Tel: 0776-82-5778 Click here for reservation Business hours:11:00~15:00 / 17:30~21:00 Regular holiday: Listed on the website ࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶ In the middle 💘 of the charm of Fukui Prefecture Click here for ▶ past post@dmo.sakai Instagram

Kabira Bay 2023.07 Memories of my trip to Okinawa Since it was close to evening, I was able to take a picture when no one was around. You can't swim in Kabira Bay because the tide stream fast, but you can take a walk in the bay in a glass boat. You can relax while looking at the seabed in the beautiful bay.