Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

Iwanai Onsen 50th Anniversary♨️ With heartfelt thanks to the local community “Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri” Celebration♨️ About the Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri⤵︎ Event period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 to Monday, March 31, 2025 🟡Benefit 1: Limited-time discounts (bathing and accommodation) Special discounts are available at participating Iwanai Onsen facilities *Present the flyer to receive the benefits❗️ *For accommodation, offers are limited to residents of the Shiriuchi area and require telephone reservations 🟡Benefit 2: Onsen stamp rally A chance to win luxurious prizes by lottery!!! Prizes 1st prize: Pair accommodation voucher for Takashima Ryokan♨️ (1 group) 2nd prize: Set of 3 craft beers🍺 (1 person) 3rd prize: IWANAI RESORT 1-day lift ticket⛷️ (3 people) Flyer distribution locations⤵︎ ・Iwanai Onsen bathing facilities and venues ・Iwanai Town Hall ・Roadside Station Iwanai ・Other distribution spots around town ⭐︎How to participate⭐︎ Bring the flyer and use discounts at participating facilities! Collect stamps at two onsen locations and enter the lottery Iwanai Onsen won in the “Onsen General Election 2024” Ranked 3rd nationwide and 1st in Hokkaido in the Beautiful Skin category👏🏻 Takashima Ryokan also defended its national No.1 spot in the Solo Traveler category❗️ Take this opportunity to visit Iwanai Onsen♨️

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

【Mt. Fuji 🥰 from Fujikawa Town Ashirindo Road】 Diamond Fuji Spot Fujikawa Town Takashita The Ashifurin Road is an extension of the area and Mt. Fuji. As in the Takashita area, around the winter solstice in December, You can see Diamond Fuji.

Photographed on 2/24/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Tomachop at the tourist information center has transformed from the female hina doll to the male hina doll ✨ Doesn’t he look sharp and handsome? I’ve lined up images of the female hina doll version from just the other day 🌸 Did you know: In Hokkaido, like in the Kanto region, the female hina doll is placed on the viewer’s right and the male on the viewer’s left. 🎎 I’ve heard that in places like Kyoto, the positions of the male and female hina dolls are reversed 🌸

Shiga Town, Ishikawa Prefecture Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reconstruction Support Fair has ended successfully! 🦀 Inside the Direct sales, specialty products and sweets such as Fresh crabs and dried crabs, which are not usually seen, were lined up, and the behavior of crab soup was and 🦀🐟 outside This crab is exciting!! The soup also had a slight flavor and was delicious! Squid and the others were also cheering 🩵

Photographed on 2/24/25. It is a white Ume plum in the middle of the hospital.

Photographed on 2/23/25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

A samurai diver is born! ?️ When I asked ChatGPT to make a group photo of divers in the Edo period, I was able to create 😅 something like this Everyone's face is a little scary, but it's funny 😂 Maybe people in the past used to dive like this...? 🤔 If there had been Scuba Diving in the Edo period, I wonder what style it would have been! What kind of Japanese-style diving gear would you make? 👘 ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Shot in Ajigasawa Town, Aomori Prefecture, where there is snow

This photo was taken on the platform of Saku Rice Station in Lake Hamana, Shizuoka Prefecture. Since my two grandchildren and a stranger had the same bait, I decided on the title Whose Wants It?

On February 23rd, I went camping at a campsite with a view of Mt. Fuji for 3 days and 2 nights. Dad's favorite daughter I'm inviting my father to make a bonfire in the morning. Father: Oh my gosh. Watching from behind Mt. Fuji. A peaceful start to the day

Neighborhood Diving! 🚙✨ Enjoy it in Enoura! Today, I enjoyed diving in Enoura, the sea of Kanagawa, which is only 35 minutes away from the store! 🏝️✨ 📍 江之浦, 小田原市, Kanagawa I'm really happy 😊 that the sea is so beautiful even though it's so close 🏖️ < There are plenty of diving Spot that can be reached in less than 1 hour!> From the Hokule'a Shonan shop, you can access many dive sites such as Enoura, Iwa, Fukuura, Zushi, Shizuura, etc.! 🚙💨 Today's schedule is truly a luxurious day ✨ ☀️ Leisurely dive 🤿 in the morning 🍽 Enjoy a delicious lunch on the way back ⏰ Before you know it, it's only 14 o'clock! What to do after this? In this way, you can enjoy both diving and private time, which is the charm of neighborhood diving! 📍 < Transparency 15m> Today, we were divided into a fun dive team and an underwater mapping team! 🔦 Swim between tetrapods and feel adventurous! 📍 The underwater mapping team is also practicing on the surface of the water to improve their skills! 💪 Growing to become a Divemaster! Acclaimed, followed by ✨ the best seas Let's dive together! 🐠😊 📩 For reservations and inquiries, please contact DM! ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Rainy Coast Sunrise　 A place where you can see the 3000m-class mountain range over the sea

Today, I went to Mr. 168 for breakfast. Soy milk and black Rice Taiwanese rice balls. Onigiri contains tamagoyaki, takuwan, mustard greens, meat sauce, and oil. Tomorrow, from 8:00 to 12:00, you can have a delicious breakfast.

Photographed on February 24 at Itogawa, the Atami cherry blossoms Some trees have passed peak bloom, but they are still beautiful. The light-up ends today, February 24 (4:30 PM–11:00 PM) Atami Cherry Blossom Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/47... The 15th Atami Cherry Blossom Itogawa Festival (2025 concluded; light-up only until February 24) https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/208...

Photos taken on February 23 and 24: the plum blossoms at Atami Plum Garden are at their best. The 81st Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/355...

Photographed on 2/23/25. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Tencho Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It is a cappuccino and a tart with mandarin oranges and milk.

Before Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I went to see the Squid Wamogumogu Honpo Kawagoe store in the confectionery shop Yokocho. 🍠 However, it seems to be Kawagoe. The numbered admission ticket was rejected ...

Thank you for always visiting Michikusakan, the Roadside Station Higashikawa. We regularly update the blackboard at Michikusakan with event and local information, so please take a look! *Please note that the blackboard is updated irregularly!*

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Tencho Festival.

Mystery-Solving Event at Gion Shrine On Saturday, February 22, a mystery-solving event took place at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district 👏 The event was titled “Gion Shrine Real Mystery: ‘As the Gods Say’” 💡 Local high school students from Gokase Secondary School led the planning, collaborating with local company Gokase Entertainment and the Kuraoka Lovers Women’s Group to prepare the event 😳✨ Participants of all ages gathered, and the shrine grounds rang with lively voices 🤗🎶 The puzzles were quite difficult until a spark of insight or a discovery occurred… I tried hard to solve them but couldn’t in the end 🤣 I had to borrow the children’s wisdom, haha As we solved the puzzles, we learned the correct way to worship at Gion Shrine 😯💡 I had no idea about those customs, so the many new discoveries were great fun 🤩 After finishing the puzzles, participants faced a two-part showdown with the gods played by Gokase Secondary School students ⚔️ The first part, “Sengoku Gokase Town,” was a game in which players spent their held points to approach the god; the winner was the one who first knocked the bead off the god’s shoulder with a sword 💪 In the second part, the winning prize from part one, a rope, was formed into a circle on the ground as a ring, and contestants challenged the god in a hand-push sumo match 👐 Both games excited adults and children alike, and smiles filled the event from start to finish 😆 After completing all stages, participants received a “Mystery Completion Certificate,” but looking closely revealed the certificates came in different colors…🤔? It turned out the hand-push sumo in part two mirrored the ceremonial sumo offered to entertain the gods during the Morimaki ritual held at Gion Shrine. Since the tradition holds that “the one who loses to the god is correct,” the completion certificates of those who lost the hand-push sumo gleamed in gold🤣 You could feel the students’ attention to detail throughout the setting, and it was wonderful 🥹✨ At the end, participants and students took a commemorative photo together, and warm tea provided by Yukihoshien was served as a participation prize, bringing the lively, friendly event to a close 😌👏 Seeing Gokase Town come alive through events created by students, local businesses, and community groups working together is truly moving 🥹 We hope the whole town continues to join forces to keep Gokase Town thriving ✨

Photographed 2/17/25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

Photographed on February 5, 25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

Temple in Sukagawa Contemporary sensibilities meet classic faith

Winter in Kamishihoro Town in February Roux is the Scene of the ban. The hot air balloon seen under the blue sky is colorful It's worth seeing. Next up is a big tournament in August.

This is a guide to the Events of Held in on Saturday, March 1st! ・9:00~15:00 "Cool Town Festival" At the Nishina Fishing Port "Hanbata Market", which is located 3 minutes by car from Dogashima, free distribution of ara soup using local fish and Yosakoi performances will be held! In addition, Stalls such as "Forest Cafe Little Heart", which has the same Traditional Japanese straw raincoat for delicious coffee, are scheduled to ☕️ open ・18:00~ "Dogashima Sunset Illumination Lighting ceremony" One of the largest illuminations in the Nishi-Izu area begins! Countdown with all the visitors! Sweets and novelty gifts are also available, so please ☺️ come to the venue, Dogashima Park