Photographed on January 3, 25.
This is a demonstration of the New Year's celebration at Koedo Kurato.
It is said that if you have a lion head bite your head, you will be able to spend your time without illness.

Photographed on January 3, 25.
At Koedo Kurato, they were giving a demonstration of the New Year's song, so I went to see it.
The lion's head is dancing.

[Winter at Aoki Lake and Nakatsuna Lake ❄️✨]
On the middle day of a three-day holiday, Omachi City is sunny again today☀️ From the morning the Northern Alps were clearly visible, so I headed to Aoki Lake hoping to see the three Hakuba peaks across the water😊 The lake surface was slightly rippled, but the blue sky and the snow-capped Hakuba peaks were reflected on it🏔✨ At ao LAKESIDE CAFE, which just opened in 2024, you can enjoy meals and coffee time while taking in the lakeside view😌 Next door, Nakatsuna Lake is a spot for wakasagi (pond smelt) ice fishing🎣 In recent years warm winters have prevented the season from opening, but what about this year?
Activities in Omachi City 🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/spot_cat/cat02/

Today, Sunday, January 12, the 40th Donton-yaki festival was held at Atami Sun Beach.
This annual event is a long-standing tradition jointly organized by the ten neighborhood associations of the eastern and central districts.
This year too, residents and tourists gathered to circle the piled New Year decorations called an ‘onbe’.
At 11:00 a Shinto ceremony was performed by Chief Priest Amemiya of Kinomiya Shrine, and after the ritual the priest lit the fire. The ‘onbe’ blazed up vigorously as everyone prayed for health, academic success, prosperous business, and protection from fires.
The photos look a bit dark, but it was actually sunny!
Tourists who happened to pass by also stopped to watch this traditional New Year event.

Photographed on January 11, 25.
This is Hanachozu of Chuin.
I saw it for the first time in a long yellowtail.

Photographed on January 3, 25.
After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store.
Honey Ginger Chai Tea Latte and Earl Grey Scones. 🫚 It 🍊 is very compatible with.

Photographed 1/6/25.
This is the Ema of the Year of the Snake at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine and the Yatagarasu-sama.

Mt. Gakidake Capped in Snow🏔
On the first day of the three-day weekend, Omachi City enjoyed clear skies☀️ From the Tokiwa area of Omachi, Mt. Gakidake was beautifully visible🏔 Footprints appeared across the snowy rice fields 🐾🐾🐾 — whose could they be?
It’s a perfect day for the slopes ⛷🏂

Local ski area information is below🔽🔽🔽
⭐️ HAKUBA VALLEY Kashimayari Ski Resort ⭐️
https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/
⭐️ Gadjigatake (Gadagake) Ski Resort ⭐️
https://jiigatake.com/
⭐️ For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

Photographed on January 7, 25.
This is Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

January 1, 2025
My daughter and I went to see the First sunrise for the first time
Souvenir photo.

Last year, I didn't have a chance to play in the sea.
With the hope 📷 that this year will be a year related to the sea

January 1, 2025
First sunrise.

On days when the cold is severe
Because the water temperature in the river is higher
A fog called a qi storm is generated.

It's fantastic and beautiful, isn't it?

Gokase Highland Ski Resort

I climbed up to Gokase Highland Ski Resort today to shoot some material📸❄️

At 7:00 this morning the temperature was a whopping -14°C🤣 It was such an odd kind of cold that it made me laugh🤷‍♀️ lol

That said, the slopes were in perfect condition ⛷️✨ The wind was light and the snow was powdery and dry 🤩

Local junior high students were here today as part of their school activities, and they were happily enjoying skiing and snowboarding 🥰

The view of the ski area under the blue sky is truly beautiful 🥹✨ It feels like another world, and staring at it makes you feel drawn in…😳

You can see the distant mountains stretching far away, and the view from Gokase Highland Ski Resort is exceptional 👏❗

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 11th, at 10:00 the long-awaited Paradise Course 1,000 m run finally opens 🤩 Can’t wait 💪

The Gokase Tourism Association is currently running the "Winter Gokase 2025" campaign on their Instagram account and collecting winter photos from the area 🤗

There are prizes, so when you visit the ski resort or travel there, please take lots of winter photos within safe limits and enter the contest 🙏✨

For details, see the post pinned to the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram profile page 💡

There is a new "Japanese" space in the school! It is a tapestry of tatami chairs and shoji style. Many students have never and tatami mats. I would like you to feel the Aroma of Igusa and the soft comfort of tatami mats.

Notice of temporary closure of the public toilet at Mount Oyama Summit 2025.1.10
The public toilet at Mount Oyama Summit is currently unavailable due to a frozen water supply pipe.
If you plan to head for Mount Oyama Summit, please start early to allow plenty of time and use nearby toilets such as those near Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine before setting out.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
We will announce when service is expected to resume.

Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4
Take the bus bound for "Oyama Cable" for about 30 minutes
Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along the Koma approach to the cable car station

Night view seen from the Grand Hotel New Oji, a city hotel in central Tomakomai ✨

Wakamasu Bakery 🥖 @wakamasu_bakery (Instagram)

A beloved shop frequented by regulars, I visited Wakamasu Bakery. The bakery has run for three generations from the founder to the current owner, moving from the original Ina shop to Suwa, and has continued for 99 years!
Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together 🍞 Wakamasu began in Ina in the great-grandfather’s time, and the shop is linked to Nagano’s soul food, the gyūnyū pan (milk bread)!!!
Pop-up signs in the shop explain the products and highlight their commitment to domestic wheat and sudakito (sudaki sugar), a mineral-rich sugar made from 100% cane. Their beloved “Milk Ball” is famous, and many regulars come just for it 🥖
・A long-time favorite, the soft French-style roll filled with milk cream: the Milk Ball
・Owner’s pick: Cream Bread filled generously with homemade custard cream
・A recent hit: Croque Monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese
・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of savory baked breads are available.

◎ Wakamasu Bakery
📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-3488
◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00
◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/

Regular customers are hooked on Wakamasu Bakery’s Milk Ball! The owner’s great-grandfather started Wakamasu Bakery in Ina. Wakamasu Bakery has been in business for 99 years. Later, the owner’s father moved the shop to its current location in Suwa. Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together.
Between you and me, Wakamasu Bread is connected to gyūnyū pan (milk cream bread).
Nowadays the owner uses domestic wheat and sudaki sugar (a Japanese sugar rich in minerals). She is particular about ingredients.
These are the regular offerings:
・Regular customers come for the Milk Ball.
・The owner’s recommendation is Cream Bread with homemade custard cream.
・A recent trend is the croque monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese.
・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of cooked breads.

◎ Wakamasu Bakery
📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-3488
◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00
◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/

Photographed on January 3, 25.
This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.
It is a New Year's specification. 🎍

Photographed 1/1/25.
It is the Hanachozu of Honshu Inari Shrine in Shiawase Inari Alley.

With winter approaching, in preparation for the cherry blossoms and rape blossoms of Spring, the Shirakimine Highlands is now quietly resting.
Across the Ariake Sea, hazy in the distance is Mt. Unzen.
I have an empty Highlands all to myself.
Welcome to the special seats!

Hinata Yakushi Hojobo First Yakushi Opening of the Principal Image 2025
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Hatsuyakushi ceremony was held at Hinata Yakushi, counted as one of Japan’s Three Yakushi, to pray for a year of good health and household safety.
On the temple grounds, visitors were served yakushi-gayu, a medicinal rice porridge made with vegetables and rice cakes produced in Isehara City, and many worshippers attended.
The principal image, the nationally designated Important Cultural Property of the Yakushi Triad, is unveiled only on five days each year: this Hatsuyakushi day, the first three days of the New Year, and the spring annual festival.

If you missed this opportunity, please come to the last unveiling of the year on April 15, the spring annual festival, which also features the sacred-tree-climbing ritual where yamabushi begin their mountain training from Hinata.

Photographed 1/1/25.
It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

[Notice] Grand Sumo January Tournament
The first tournament of Reiwa 7 will begin on Sunday, January 12
It’s starting❗️
Ichiyamamoto’s ranking is
His career-high of West Maegashira 6!!
Let’s cheer for Ichiyamamoto together again this year!
Thank you for your support🙏

“From the Sea to Izu! From Izu to the Sea!” Inatori–Izu Oshima Route Operation Information

In spring, when plums and Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom in Izu, high-speed ferries will run from Inatori to Oshima to coincide with Oshima’s camellias.

Route
"Inatori–Oshima Feb. 3 (Mon)–Feb. 28 (Fri)"
Oshima departs 10:45, 13:35
Arrive Inatori 11:20, 14:10

Depart Inatori 11:30, 14:20
Arrive Oshima 12:05, 14:55

"Tokyo–Tateyama–Oshima–Inatori Feb. 8 (Sat)–Feb. 28 (Fri)"
Tokyo departs 8:10
Tateyama arrives 9:25
Departs 9:35
Oshima arrives 10:30
Departs 10:45
Inatori arrives 11:20

Inatori departs 14:20
Oshima arrives 14:55
Departs 15:10
Tateyama arrives 16:05
Departs 16:10
Tokyo arrives 17:25

During the period, you can reach Higashiizucho and the eastern Izu coast by sea from the Kanto region!
For timetables and details, please check the Tokai Kisen Co., Ltd. website below.
https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/

Also this year, on weekends from Feb. 8 (Sat) to Feb. 23 (Sun) we will operate a complimentary shuttle bus for passengers:
"Inatori–Kawazu Free Sightseeing Bus"
Enjoy the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival and the Hina no Tsurushi Kazari (hanging hina doll decorations) festival.
For details, see the URL below
https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/618222/

Access to Inatori Port boarding point
From Izu-Inatori Station to Inatori Port…
On foot about 15 minutes
By car about 3 minutes (parking available)


Special fares and tour information
Round-trip by ferry from Tokyo to Izu!
"Tokyo ⇔ Inatori Round-Trip Ticket (valid up to 4 days)"
Adult ¥10,800 Child ¥5,400
For details see the URL below
https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/618222/

"Inatori ⇔ Oshima Round-Trip Ticket"
Normally ¥8,820, now
Day trip Adult ¥3,000 Child ¥2,000
With overnight stay (up to 4 days) Adult ¥3,900 Child ¥2,400
For details see the URL below
https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/618222/

"From Oshima to Inatori: Shopping and Cherry-Viewing Cruise"
Feb. 3 (Mon), Feb. 19 (Wed), Feb. 28 (Fri)
This tour offers a bus sightseeing loop around the Higashiizu area departing from Oshima!
Adult ¥5,500 Child ¥4,000
On the first sailing of the Inatori route in 2025, Feb. 3 (Mon), adults receive ¥1,000 off and children ¥500 off!
For details see the URL below
https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/502387/

"Inatori Departure Rapid Bus Tour to Izu Oshima"
Feb. 8 (Sat), Feb. 15 (Sat)
It’s truly rapid—takes less than three hours!? It’s practically a one-stop stay on the Izu Peninsula!
The tour from Inatori includes a boxed lunch and bus on Oshima.
Adult ¥4,000 Child ¥2,500
For details see the URL below
https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/620883/

Photographed 1/1/25.
It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.
I took it from a different angle.

Photographed 1/1/25.
It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.
It is a New Year's specification. 🎍

📍Nakasendo

This is the state of the Nakasendo (Magome Pass to Tsumago) on January 8, 2025 ❄

1–3: Magome Pass
4: Isseki Tochi Teahouse
5: Pass Entrance
6–10: Male Falls and Female Falls
11: In front of Kooshinduka

There is snow cover ❄
If you plan to walk the Nakasendo, please come prepared with full winter gear such as snow boots, gloves, a knit hat, and spare socks.
In particular, take care on the pass and around Male Falls and Female Falls, where snow and ice are likely ⚠

📍Momosuke Bridge and the shopping street in front of the station

Momosuke Bridge serves as a symbolic bridge of Nagiso, regularly used by local students from Sonan High School and neighborhood residents ✨
The snow-covered Momosuke Bridge looks powerful and striking.

After continuous snowfall since last night, the whole town has turned into a silver world!
You can enjoy the winter scenery ❄

The 59th Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival, a major winter Events in southern Hokkaido that has been going on for many years, will be Held in again this year!
The jumbo slide made by cutting out the frozen Lake Onuma is Popular! !!
Please come and visit us!
【Date and time】
February 8 (Sat) 9 (Sun) 10:00~16:00
[Place]
Onuma Park Square (near 1023-1 Onuma-cho, Nanae Town, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido)

Visiting the site the handiwork of Japan craftsmen up close!
Introducing 5 kilns where you can Visiting the site of Echizen pottery Workshop

One of the six ancient kilns in Japan, "Echizen pottery".
It has been selected as a Japan heritage site and is a traditional craft that has continued since the Heian period.

Echizen Town is also known as the production area of Echizen pottery, and there are documents such as the Fukui Prefectural Pottery Museum and the Echizen Ancient Kiln Museum in Echizen Pottery Village, where you can learn about Echizen pottery

I want to feel Echizen pottery even more realistically! For those who say, we recommend a direct visit to the kiln of Echizen pottery.
You can actually see the handiwork of craftsmen in front of you.

This time Workshop we would like to introduce five potters who accept Visiting the site.

・・・

●Hosaigama, Mr. Yoshida
He was born in Echizen Town (formerly Oda Town), the production area of Echizen pottery, so he went on to the path of pottery.
Focusing on Reproduction of the colors of Nature with a sense of the seasons, I am also working hard to create works for Japanese exhibitions and contemporary craft exhibitions in addition to making ceramics.
Recently, together with my son, I am working hard every day to convey the charm of Echizen pottery with two generations of parents and children.

About Toyosai Kiln
https://www.echizenyaki.com/en/pottery/detail.php?Num=10
https://www.instagram.com/housaigama_tougei/

●Toseisha Izumi
At the age of 35, he moved from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture to Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture.
I like the environment where I can concentrate on creating works in the idyllic Satoyama atmosphere.
Mr. Izumi is characterized by his works with a simple texture for everyday use. He is a potter who places great importance on contact with customers, such as pottery experiences on business trips.

More about Toseisha
https://www.echizenyaki.com/en/pottery/detail.php?Num=11
https://www.instagram.com/touseisya/

●Furaigama / Oya
Oya was born in Osohara in his Local Echizen Town (former Miyazaki Village).
I grew up in a pottery family, where both my father and mother were potters.
He aims to create works that are fun and relaxing to use, and his cute works with animal motifs are also eye-catching.

About Furai Kiln
https://www.echizenyaki.com/en/pottery/detail.php?Num=2
https://www.instagram.com/furaigama/

●Hyuga Workshop, Hyuga-san
Mr. Hinata went from being a trainee of Echizen pottery to the path of Echizen pottery, and is still encouraged to train the next generation.
Echizen pottery, which tends to give a plain impression, is working on making brightly colored glazes to attract the attention of young people and urban people as much as possible.

About Hyuga Workshop
https://www.echizenyaki.com/en/pottery/detail.php?Num=14

●Seedling kiln (Mishogama), Mr. Shindo
While studying art at university, I wanted to create my own things, so I entered the world of ceramics, where I could create my favorite shapes with three-dimensional objects.
Echizen pottery is a place where I like the freedom of the artist to have his or her own style, the climate that nurtures the artist, and the atmosphere of the land.
He is characterized by his works using the powdering technique (white makeup), and continues to make everyday vessels that are rooted in the life that he wishes he had.

About the seedling kiln
https://www.instagram.com/mishougama/

========
More about Workshop Visiting the site
========
Reservations are required in advance, so please check the following for details.

●Echizen Pottery Traditional Japanese straw raincoat to apply for a Visiting the site Workshop kiln source stream
1. Please let us know the date and time you would like to Visiting the site
* If you have a designation for the kiln you wish to visiting the site, please let us know at the time of application.
↓
2. After confirming the application details, we will contact you to see if you can Visiting the site.
* Implementation cannot be carried out on the desired date, we will ask for another desired date.
↓
3. Please come to the designated place on the day of the event.

≪Acceptable kiln source≫
・Toyosai Kiln (Toyoichi Yoshida, Yuki)
・Toseisha (Naoki Izumi)
・Furai Kiln (Uichiro Oya)
・Hyuga Workshop (Hikaru Hyuga)
・Seedling kiln (Satoko Shindo)
(As of January 2025)

≪ Visiting the site fee≫
Workshop Visiting the site: 500 yen ~ 1,650 yen per person (tax included)
* Fee varies depending on the kiln.

≪Where to apply≫
Echizen Tourism Federation
From the Internet
https://www.town-echizen.jp/locotabi/archives/product/202202_001

◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆
This Account is the official Account of the Echizen Tourism Federation (DMO ECHIZEN).
We are delivering the latest information and seasonal topics of Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture.

👇 Information is also being broadcast on each social media
◎ Instagram / ECHIZEN_COLORS(@echizen_colors)
https://www.instagram.com/echizen_colors/
◎ Facebook / Like! Echizen Loco Trip
https://www.facebook.com/echizenkankou
◎X / Like! Echizen Loco Trip
https://x.com/e_kankou

👇 Tourist information in each language can be found below.
◎Echizen tourism Navi
https://www.town-echizen.jp/en/
◎ Circumstances Fukui 縣 Echizen Town 景點
https://www.town-echizen.jp/zh-CN/
◎ Circumstances Fukui 縣 Echizen Town 景點
https://www.town-echizen.jp/zh-TW/
◎후쿠이 현 에치젠 쵸 관광 정보｜
https://www.town-echizen.jp/ko/
◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆～◇～◆
https://www.town-echizen.jp/locotabi/archives/product/202202_001

Stickers and magnets are also popular 💖
As I briefly introduced in Stories before, there are other tourism bureau original goods besides long sleeves and washcloths!
The first and second photos are stickers! And the third one is a magnet!
There are people who have conquered all types, those who have arranged each theme, and those who are chosen by their favorite colors and patterns, and it is fun to choose from several types. 🐒🍎♨️⛷
Perfect not only for yourself but also for small Souvenirs! ！
https://www.info-yamanouchi.net/2024/12/04/%e8%a6%b3%e5%85%89%e5%b1%80%e3%81%ae%e3%82%aa%e3%83%aa%e3%82%b8%e3%83%8a%e3%83%ab%e3%82%b0%e3%83%83%e3%82%ba%e3%81%8c%e5%ae%8c%e6%88%90%e3%81%97%e3%81%be%e3%81%97%e3%81%9f/