Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Footpaths A footpath refers to a route where you can walk while enjoying unspoiled nature, old townscapes, rice paddies and other pastoral scenery. Each footpath comes with a dedicated map, and directional signs are posted along the course, so you follow those as you walk. You can enjoy this footpath simply by following the map and signs, but its appeal is greatest on a guided tour. A local guide who knows the settlement’s history, culture and natural features will multiply the footpath’s interest many times over. <Fees> ・Adults (junior high school and older) ¥3,000 ・Elementary school students ¥2,000 *Operated for groups of two or more (elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian) <Booking> Gokase Nature School Postal code 882-1201 6452-Otsu Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-73-6366 ●Course Introductions● 1. Footpath: Gokasecho Miyano-hara District Miyano-hara is an old settlement dotted with many weeping cherry trees, led by a roughly 300-year-old shidarezakura at Josenji Temple. Sankasho Shrine, which has an inner sanctuary on Mt. Futagami—said to be the landing place of the heavenly grandson—features beautiful rhododendrons and the shrine building is adorned with superb carvings of hippocampi. The river is crossed by a stone-built megane (arch) bridge, and the course includes the “Bird’s Nest” terraced rice field selected among the Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, stepped fields, bamboo groves and mixed woods—a sunny, peaceful route worthy of recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. We recommend walking here in spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. <Schedule> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Onsen Kijiya (9223 Hirokino, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) ◎Special offer: discounted admission to Gokase Onsen Kijiya (Adults ¥500→¥300, Children ¥300→¥200) 2. Footpath: Gokasecho Kasabe District A small hamlet of about ten households located on the northern edge of Mount Gion-yama, considered the birthplace of the Gion tradition in Kyushu. The spring water that wells up from Gion-yama is true famous water. To make use of this water for community development, locals built a log-house pavilion from local cedar and named it Kasabe Water Station. The highlight is a giant hinoki cypress said to be 700–800 years old. It is nicknamed “God’s Hand” because it resembles a powerful man’s left hand, and it draws many visitors. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Kasabe Water Station (Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 3. Footpath: Gokasecho Kuwanonai District Kuwanonai is a village with spectacular views of Mt. Aso from anywhere and beautiful sunsets. With many tea fields, it traditionally produces pan-fried tea that has won imperial awards. Recently, black tea made from Japanese tea leaves has become popular, and the area also cultivates flowers, cherry tomatoes and grapes, and raises domestic black Wagyu cattle—farming and livestock remain the core industries. The cozy farm-stay program promoted by the Sunset Village Development Council is popular; students from across Asia visit on school trips. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Winery (4847-1 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 4. Footpath: Gokasecho Habu District Historically active in trade with Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture), this area once served as a logistics hub. Today it is the inner retreat of Kuwanonai, backed by steep terrain and Kyushu’s magnificent mountains, including Mt. Aso. Photographers and painters favor many spots here, and you can find quintessential rural scenery that feels truly countryside. The course has many ups and downs, offering a bit of a hiking experience. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Town Coexistence Welfare Facility (1514-5 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: e-bike (E-bike) Experience An e-bike is an electrically assisted bicycle. Built like a mountain bike (MTB), it is designed for off-road use, rough terrain, and steep mountain paths. Because it has electric assistance, people with less strength and beginners can easily climb hills. There are two course types to enjoy, suitable for beginners and active riders alike. 1. Mamihara Course This easy-to-ride course follows the old prefectural border road, passing traditional stone-paved streets, a historic post town, and highland areas. The route is safe, so even those with little confidence can ride with peace of mind. 2. Kuwanouchi Course This course suits both beginners and active riders. It offers sweeping views of Mt. Aso and passes Gokase Winery, a shrine’s ancient tree, tea fields, and unpaved sections for a more active experience. Time Morning session: Meet 09:30 — Finish 12:00 Afternoon session: Meet 13:00 — Finish 15:30 Meeting place Gokase no Sato Camp Village (141-1 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203) Participation fee: Adults 6,000 yen (high school students and older) *The fee includes accident insurance and e-bike rental. Period: Year-round Other details ・Reservations required ・Participants must be at least 150 cm tall ・Please provide the age of all participants when booking. ・If the event cannot be held due to bad weather, we will notify you by phone or text message by the day before. If a decision can be made several days in advance for events like typhoons, we will notify you at that time. Reservations Shizenya Kawajin (Email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Experiences: Soyokyo Lake SUP Half-Day Tour Enjoy a half-day SUP tour around the scenic reservoir framed by the green slopes of Soyokyo. This plan is suitable even for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! Note: Available from April through October Price Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen Elementary school student 4,500 yen Dog 1,500 yen Note: Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian Participation fee includes accident insurance and SUP equipment rental Meeting point and times Meeting times Session 1: Meet at 9:30 — Finish at 12:00 Session 2: Meet at 13:00 — Finish at 15:30 Meeting place Soyō Branch Office, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Address: 500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Reservation Contact: Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Soyokyo Canyon Canoe Tour This half-day plan lets you leisurely paddle a canoe around the scenic reservoir surrounded by the green of Soyokyo. It’s suitable for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! ※Season: March to November Price ・Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen ・Elementary school student 4,500 yen ・Toddler 2,500 yen ・Dog 1,500 yen ※Toddlers from around age 2; toddlers and elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian ※Participation fee includes accident insurance and canoe equipment rental. Meeting place and time ・Meeting times [1st session] Meet 9:30 — End 12:00 [2nd session] Meet 13:00 — End 15:30 ・Meeting place “Yamato Town Soyou Branch Office,” Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture (500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Booking Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Maime no Ike 2021.08.21 The Milky Way in Maime no Pond Mt. Norikura is illuminated by moonlight. Even in the moonlight, the Milky Way was clear.

This is a photo of the Yamamoto Sunflower Festival taken in the evening.

The "Yamamoto and Sunflower Festival" in Yamamoto Towns, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture was held in from July 19~28. Approximately 2.8 million sunflowers bloomed on a vast area of farmland of about 7.6 hectares.

From the sidewalk of "Takenaka Pond (Kagoshima Prefecture no spring water Town)", which is not usually visited, away from the Somen sink! I don't like strong sunlight, but it's hard to available if the colors are dull Squid not in this hot season!!! Summer!!

Use the interval in my life called the re-job hunting period, Kagoshima Prefecture went to "Takenaka Pond" spring water Town! This is a place you'll probably want to visit again and again, always and in the future. I wanted to eat the Somen noodles because the noodles were crunchy, but I gave up because it was crowded with Mr./Ms. children on summer vacation. available I remember going there on a rattle day, but I was happy that this day was lively on this day of summer vacation. (I'll eat Somen again next time!) )

Araha Beach / Araha Beach is located in Chatan town, Okinawa Prefecture. Rice military Kadena Air Base is also nearby, so it is a beach with many Mr./Ms. military personnel stationed offshore. On the sandy beach, you can enjoy beach volleyball, BBQ, and marine sports, and it is quite crowded on weekends. Every time I come here, there is an American restaurant with a view of the beach, and I cool off while eating tacos here. ^^

During our trip to Saitama prefecture my wife and friend enjoyed the summer time in the sunflower field in kumagaya city of Saitama prefecture. A very relaxing and refreshing moments. We really enjoyed the short trip.

A flower field adjacent to the Roadside Station "Kasaoka Bay Farm" in Kasaoka City. Summer flowers sunflowers are blooming endlessly. The sunset in the flower garden was also beautiful.

New Three Great Night Views and Fireworks Festival Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival held the other day Since it is launched near the city, it can be captured in one photo with the night view The shooting location was on a Elevated terraces a little away from the launch site, but it was crowded with many people to see the flowers rising on this night The moment the grand Finale ended, the applause was directed at the fireworks artist

Located on the western edge of tokyo​, okutama​ offers a striking contrast to the urban landscape. With its lush mountains, serene lakes, and a mesmerizing limestone cave, Okutama provides an ideal setting for both exhilarating outdoor activities and peaceful relaxation. Its close proximity to the city center makes it a popular choice for day trips.

Hokkaido is hot again this year It's been a very hot day many times The sunflowers are also in full bloom, Summer is in full swing.

For a Limited Time in summer, "Umbrella Sky" is born in the vast and Rich in nature picnic garden adjacent to the New Furano Prince Hotel. 747 colorful umbrellas fluttering in the wind shone in the blue summer sky.

In the hill towns of Biei, countless rolls roll around in the vast fields that appear in summer. This roll is called a "barley culm roll" and is a roll made of rolled wheat straw. In other words, it is a summer tradition in Biei after harvesting wheat.

After all, the season in Biei is summer. Biei in July is the hill of Shikisai no Oka There were a few clouds over Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group, but I was able to enjoy the colorful flower fields and wonderful scenery

EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! How do you do! It is the West City Tourist Association. Saitoshi is a city located in the central region of Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu. It is a town full of historical romance and such as National Special Historic Site Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus, one of the largest Kofun Tumulus in the Japan, and Togun Castle, the residence of Ito, the lord of Hyuga Country. Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus is a scenic spot for flowers Spring with 2,000 cherry blossoms and 300,000 rape blossoms, 1 million sunflowers in summer, and 3 million cosmos in autumn. Access is about 10 minutes from the Nishito IC on the Higashikyushu Automobile Expressway. Use public transportation is about 60 minutes by bus from downtown Miyazaki City. Cool JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended Tourist Information in Nishi City, Miyazaki Prefecture, so please follow us! 【Introduction of recommended Sightseeing spots in Nishi City, Miyazaki Prefecture】 ・Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus It is a group of Kofun Tumulus that was designated as a National Special Historic Site in Showa 27. In 2018 Heisei 30, it was certified as a Japan heritage site. It is one of the largest Kofun Tumulus in the Japan, with more than 300 Kofun Tumulus from the late 3rd century to the first half of the 7th century scattered on a plateau of about 2.6 km from east to west, 4.2 km from north to south, and Elevation 50~80m. It is also known as a scenic spot for flowers, and you can enjoy various landscapes throughout the four seasons, with 2,000 cherry blossoms and 300,000 rape flowers blooming in Spring, 1 million sunflowers blooming in summer, and 3 million cosmos blooming in autumn. Access is about 10 minutes from the Nishito IC on the Higashikyushu Automobile Expressway. Use public transportation Get off at Miyazaki Kotsu Saito Bus Center and take a taxi for about 5 minutes. #West City #Miyazaki Prefecture #Kyushu #Saitobaru #Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus #Cherry blossoms #Rape flower #Sunflower #Cosmos #Kofun Tumulus #History #Tourism #Travel #Tourist Association

【Let's take a walk in the summer Flower Park Kamu! 】 August 12 is a three-day weekend. A flower park where summer flowers are in full bloom Why don't you take a walk together? While listening to the commentary of the gardener who serves as the caretaker of Kamu Here's your chance to walk! The site area of the flower park is about 6 hectares. The concept is divided into areas. You can see many flowers and leafy vegetables. Several types of fruit trees are also planted. After the walk, you can try the juice of the fruit harvested in Kamu. Click here for Events details ↓↓ 8/12 Monday 10:30~ / 13:30~ Each session takes about one and a half hours Capacity: 10 people each time Participation fee: Free for junior high school students and younger, 200 yen for high school students and older Application deadline: Friday, August 9, 5 p.m. Contact: Information Center "The Rizumu" 　　　　　0158-85-7125 We look forward to your participation! #Kamu #Nishiokoppe Village #Flower Park #Roadside Station #Stroll #Summer #Flowers in full bloom #Fruit juice

Hope for the reconstruction of the Noto earthquake This is rice field art in Gyoda City, Saitama Jade Prefecture. Every year, volunteers spend one week creating various shapes. This year, they prayed for the recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Please come and visit us 😆

Ueno Farm 2022.08 The garden created by plants that grow in the northern climate, such as the flowering period unique to the northern country and the bright color of the flowers, is considered to be a "Hokkaido garden", and the garden is created mainly with inn root grass that blooms in all four seasons. There are benches ands here and there in the park, so you can relax in the pleasant breeze.

Hello. This is Ryusuido at Shosenkyo Crystal Valley 😊 It turned July and the heat has been intense; how is everyone feeling? Near Senga Falls, the spray from the waterfall feels like a refreshing shower, and sunlight filtering through the trees reflects off the water to create a beautiful sparkle ✨ At Ryusuido above the falls, we offer many summer-perfect stones such as larimar and elestial amethyst. Please drop by our cool shop inside as well 😄 All of our staff look forward to the day we can meet your wonderful smiles.

[A basket full of flowers] At the Roadside Station Hanamu where the flower park is attached Events related to plants! Therefore Held in a gathering design workshop~! "What is Gathering Design?" Participants were excited and fidgety until the workshop started. A flower arrangement made by combining multiple flowers and leafy vegetables. Around the main flowers, in any order you want Flowers and leafy vegetables are attached to each other. With the roots still attached, it is like making a bouquet of flowers Ingredients added later are put inside It was difficult, but it was a fun task that came alive visually. The process of loosening the soil so as not to remove important roots, etc. There was a lot of delicate work, and I used my concentration. I was very happy when the work was completed. By processing the roots, the state when completed is Gathering design that can be maintained. The flowering period of the flowers also seems to be longer than usual. Naga~ku, may it be blooming Scene every day as much as possible. Restrooms available to everyone who participated! #Nishiokoppe Village #Gathering Design #Hokkaido Gathering Design #Roadside Station #Kamu #Flower Park #Bouquet with roots #Bouquet that fits in a basket

The name for the summer–autumn strawberry born in Azumino has been decided! And the name is... “amaazumi”!! We received 1,255 entries from across the country, and this name was chosen from among them. Thank you very much to everyone who submitted name suggestions. Amaazumi is a variety that changes the image of summer–autumn strawberries as sweet-and-sour; it is characterized by its sweetness and rich aroma. Please give it a try!

Nanatsuboshi train 🚃 Today, Thursday, July 25th, from 1:40 PM for 8 minutes It will stop at takaharu station‼️ It will stop at takaharu station, so please do come by‼️😊 Admission to the station is free‼️‼️🚃

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.

Yoshikawa Towns, Miki City, Yamada Nishiki no Township. Restrooms available for the beginning of summer and the intense heat. We are looking forward to delicious Rice again this year. Yoshikawa Towns, Miki City, Hyogo

Cycling Guide Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan Last weekend, a group of six joined our cycling guide tour! Under clear skies after the rainy season, we cycled while taking in views of the Alps and the Tenryu River. After arriving at the orchard, we went peach picking. They enjoyed harvesting the most popular variety, Akatsuki. After cycling, we moved to the cafe for peach desserts! Everyone fully enjoyed the cycling and peach picking, which made us happy too. Thank you for joining us!

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.