Arao’s food scene offers great variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of delicious options to satisfy everyone. From specialty sushi bars, ramen shops, okonomiyaki and yakiniku restaurants to stylish cafes and dining spots, Arao also boasts many confectioneries and lively night-time drinking venues. After a full day of fun, relax and enjoy a meal at your favorite place. ~Kodaiko (Kodai-ko)~ The restaurant even has a live seafood tank, so you can enjoy fresh sushi and fish dishes. The seasonal majaku set meal is especially popular. Genre Sushi Address 1241-5 Nohara, Arao City Phone 0968-68-4622 Hours 11:00 – 14:30 17:00 – 21:30 Closed Tuesdays (subject to change on public holidays) Parking 20 spaces Capacity 50 people (including the second-floor banquet room)

Marugoto Arao Product Center Marugoto Arao Product Center combines a product hall, a Shodai-yaki gallery, and an information hub. This shop offers proud local specialties made from Arao’s bounty, from nori seaweed harvested from the Ariake Sea and famous pears to Shodai-yaki pottery. Address: 169-22 Haramanda, Arao City (near Manda Pit) Opening hours: 11:00–16:30 Closed: Monday (if Monday is a public holiday, closed the following day) Phone: 0968-57-9960 Parking: Free Access 8 minutes by bus from JR Arao Station Get off at Manda Pit-mae; immediate access https://arao-kankou.jp/sightseeing/specialty/...

Introduction to a Japanese Sword Making Tour See traditional Japanese swordmaking up close! You can observe the ancient craft of swordsmithing up close at the Japanese Swordsmith Training Workshop of master swordsmith Genrokuro Matsunaga, who lives in Arao City. The technique follows a traditional process of repeatedly hammering, stretching, and folding the steel. You will surely be overwhelmed by the power and drama of watching it at close range. In addition, you can take part in a name-engraving experience, where you use a chisel to carve your name or a favorite phrase into a steel plate, as well as a sword-making experience, and you can view Mr. Matsunaga’s collection of swords, armor, and other items. Name Matsunaga Japanese Swordsmith Training Workshop Address 1907-8 Kawatari, Arao City Phone number 0968-68-2250 *Visits require a reservation. Please contact us for details.

Introducing accommodations in Arao! ~Stay in Arao~ Arao City offers a wide range of lodging, from a resort hotel next to an amusement park to budget-friendly business hotels. Whether you need more than a day of fun or are staying on business, we are fully prepared to welcome you. 5. HOTEL AZ Kumamoto Arao Branch Complimentary delicious breakfast for guests! This hotel serves both tourists and business travelers. With affordable rates and a free breakfast for guests, it has become popular. Clean, practical rooms all offer internet access. With an izakaya on site, it’s also recommended for those who want to relax in the evening. Address 958 Manda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Phone number 0968-65-3301 Official website https://www.az-hotel.com/arao/...

Today the Yoshino-miya Shrine Grand Festival, the Zatousan Festival, took place! I was captivated by a performance from satsuma-biwa player Kanako Kitahara 🥰 This year’s event concluded smoothly as well. Although strong gusts of wind blew at times, to everyone who came together thank you very much! #miyazaki #morotsukavillage #morotsuka #Miyazaki Prefecture #Morotsuka Village #Morotsuka Village Tourism Association #collecting goshuin #Miyazaki goshuin tour #Yoshino-miya Shrine #Zatousan Festival

Introducing accommodation in Arao! ~Stay in Arao~ Arao City offers a wide range of lodging, from a resort hotel next to an amusement park to convenient business hotels for an easy overnight stay. Whether you need more than a day to enjoy the area or you are staying for business, we are fully prepared to welcome you. Noasobi Lodge An outdoor-style hotel just a one-minute walk from Arao Station♪ Born from a desire to create a hut-like stop in town where travelers can relax and get excited, Noasobi Lodge was opened. Under the theme of “noasobi,” we offer a space centered on lodging and dining where people can gather for work or private moments. Address 1560-1 Manda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Phone 080-9547-4744 Official site https://noasobilodge.com//

Introducing accommodation in Arao! ~Stay in Arao~ Arao City offers a range of lodging, from a resort hotel next to an amusement park to affordable business hotels. Whether one day isn’t enough for play or you’re staying on business, we are fully prepared to welcome you. 3. Business Hotel Isuzuso Extremely convenient for both business and sightseeing! In addition to single and twin rooms, we also offer triple rooms and relaxing Japanese-style rooms. With convenience stores and restaurants nearby, it’s very handy. In the morning, we offer complimentary coffee to guests. All rooms have wireless LAN. Address 2-8-6 Yotsuyama-machi, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Phone number 0968-63-2514 Official website http://www.business-hotel-isuzu.jp//

Introducing accommodation in Arao! ~Stay in Arao~ Arao City offers a wide range of places to stay, from a resort hotel adjacent to an amusement park to convenient business hotels that are easy on the wallet. Whether you want more than a single day of fun or you are staying for business, we are ready and waiting to welcome you. 2. Hotel Blanca A hotel inside Greenland where you can play all day and stay overnight Located within Greenland, this hotel is very convenient for anyone who wants to spend a full day playing. The hotel’s first floor also serves as the clubhouse for Greenland Resort Golf Course, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a golf-focused stay. It features a large natural hot-spring bath and private family baths where only your family or friends can bathe. Address 1308 Honaide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Phone number 0968-66-1133 Official website http://www.greenland.co.jp/hotels/blanca/...

Introducing places to stay in Arao! ~Stay in Arao~ Arao City offers a wide range of accommodations, from resort hotels adjacent to the amusement park to convenient business hotels you can stay at without fuss. Whether you need more than a day to play or you are here on business, we are fully prepared and waiting to welcome you. 1. Hotel Verde A resort-style hotel where you can savor hotel life The exterior, inspired by the Colosseum of the Ancient Roman Empire, makes a striking impression. All 104 rooms are spacious, and some recall the fun of the neighboring Greenland with colorful decor, while others are luxurious suites with a kitchen and living room for a leisurely stay. With a restaurant and natural hot spring, you can fully enjoy a hotel life that takes you away from the everyday. Address 1584-24 Honaide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Phone number 0968-66-3939 Official website http://www.greenland.co.jp/hotels/verde/...

🌸 Izumi scenery 🌸 where you can feel the arrival of Spring The cherry blossoms in Izumi Station East Exit Ryokuchi Park have blossomed! When I see the pink flowers, I feel ✨ excited that Spring has arrived 📸The fourth photo is the cherry blossoms on the riverbed of the Takaono River. The Izumi Cherry Blossom Festival will also be Held in on March 30th, so I hope 🌸🌿 the cherry blossoms in Tokusaki Monument Park will be in full bloom by then Please ♪ enjoy cherry blossom viewing while feeling the Spring of Izumi

Arao Tourism Information Paper We are distributing issue No. 32 of “arao ni konna.” This spring 2025 issue features Arao’s gourmet scene, introducing dining spots around Arao City! Copies are placed at facilities and shops in and around Arao City. If you see one, please pick it up! You can also view the digital PDF brochure on the Arao City Tourism Association pamphlet page. Check it out here! https://arao-kankou.jp/pamphlet/... #like this #like this issue No. 32 #Arao #arao #arao #Kumamoto Prefecture #Kumamoto #Kumamoto #Kumamoto #northern area #tourism #gourmet #information #Manda Pit #manda kō #World Heritage #Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution #Ariake Sea #tidal flats #Marugoto Arao #spread #Instagram #events #tourist spots #Greenland

Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks of Arao — No. 5 Here are Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting dishes. From addictive flavors to hearty rice bowls! These outrageously tasty menu items will fill you with energy and get you pumped! 5. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Burger (King Size) — Heroes Diner The king-size burger feels heavy in your hand and is astonishingly large. The patty is 100% beef, coarsely ground for a satisfying bite, and rich cheddar cheese pairs perfectly. This authentic burger delivers plenty of volume to satisfy both your appetite and your spirit. *A regular size is also available.* Heroes Diner — What to Know This is the place to enjoy authentic, tasty American-style burgers and steaks. Their juicy, substantial burgers are the specialty. The poppy, American-themed interior is a treat for comic-book fans. ◆Name: Heroes Diner ◆Address: 573-3 Miyauchi, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture (2nd floor of Okonomiyaki Gen-chan) ◆Phone: 0968-85-8484 ◆Hours: 11:30–15:00 (last order 14:30); 17:30–22:00 (last order 21:00) ◆Closed: Wednesday ◆Seats: 24 ◆Private rooms: No ◆Smoking seats: No

[🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2025 🌸] From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, May 11! (Surely) with the last of the snow behind us, the season of flowers is finally approaching Gokasecho ✨ We’re running a spring Instagram campaign too 🤩🙌 Follow the Gokase Tourism Association account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/)... and post photos of flowers taken in Gokasecho to Instagram using two hashtags: #GokaseHana2025 and #dateofphoto (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥 Every day during the campaign, one person will win a mini set of Gokasecho specialty products 🎁✨ This time, amazingly! During the nighttime illumination of Kijiya’s weeping cherry tree organized by students of Gokase Secondary School’s “Gokase Sakura Project” (March 23 [Sun]–April 16 [Wed] ※updated 4/2), entries featuring photos of Kijiya’s weeping cherry will have double the daily winning chance 😮✨!? Plus! Outstanding entries will receive a gift box of Gokasecho specialty products 🤩👏 And even more! This time there will also be a “Gokase Sakura Project Award”…🤭🌟!? Submitted entries will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association and Gokase Sakura Project social media channels as they are selected 💡 [Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/index.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In spring in Gokasecho you can enjoy not only weeping cherry but also rhododendrons, akebono azaleas, and many other flowers 🌸 In the warm weather, how about a flower tour around Gokasecho 🤗? We sincerely look forward to your participation ✨

Arao's Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks — No. 4 We introduce Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting dishes. From addictive popular flavors to hearty rice bowls! These outrageously tasty dishes will fill you with energy and pep you up for sure! 4. Momo Ju Bento — Hon-ten Toraiichi, Specialty Shop for Bone-in Chicken and Karaage The Arao main shop’s limited Momo Ju bento. It features a whole carefully selected chicken thigh, slowly and gently roasted in olive oil, creating a very hearty bento. The shop also offers karaage à la carte and a variety of other bento options. Hon-ten Toraiichi — Bone-in Chicken and Karaage Specialty Shop: Highlights! Founded in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, this shop serves bone-in chicken and freshly fried karaage made with a special method. The bone-in chicken uses tender, juicy young birds. The owner, a karaage fanatic, perfected his signature fried chicken—be sure to try it. There are also Omuta and Tamana branches. ◆ Shop name: Hon-ten Toraiichi — Bone-in Chicken and Karaage Specialty Shop ◆ Address: 813-1 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆ Phone: 0968-62-6268 ◆ Hours: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM ◆ Closed: Irregular holidays ◆ Seating: Takeout only ◆ Website: https://karaage-toraichi.com// ◆ SNS: Facebook

❚ The 33rd Ogata Tulip Festa 2025 A tulip festival held in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungo Ono City. This year, 158 varieties and 200,000 tulips plus two types of rape blossoms will burst into bloom around Harajiri Falls. Enjoy a spring filled with flowers. The Tulip Festa relies on the support of some 700 volunteers from inside and outside the city. ■ Dates and Times Friday, April 4, 2025 – Sunday, April 13, 2025 ■ Location Around Harajiri Falls ■ Stage Events During the Period [Sat, April 5] 10:00–15:00 Bungo Folk Village (music) [Sun, April 6] From 10:30 Ogata Children’s Drums Ogata Akatsuki Taiko (Japanese drums) 11:30 Eisa dance performance [Sat, April 12] 11:00 Jewelry’S (elementary and junior high baton twirling) 13:00 Harp Diva (harp, violin, vocals) [Sun, April 13] 11:30 Mask-changing show 12:30 Hula dance 13:45 Mask-changing show ■ Events During the Period [Throughout] Take-home Tulip Corner Over 100 varieties of tulips will be sold at 100 yen per stem. [Throughout] Tulip Marche and Gourmet Corner Enjoy food from kitchen cars and food stalls. [Weekends] Goods and Sweets Corner Various shops and wonderful items gather in one place. [Sat, April 5] Kyuden Group High-altitude Work Vehicle Ride Experience View the tulip and rape blossom fields from above. (May be canceled in case of rain.) [Throughout] Street Performer SATOYA Performance Show Delivering smiles and moving moments Performance dates: April 5 (Sat), April 6 (Sun), and April 8 (Tue)–April 12 (Sat) [Weekends] SOUTHWAVE Boat Sightseeing Tour Circle the area by boat near the falls and enjoy the powerful scenery. Apply here for the boat tour ■ Request for Sunny-chan Fundraising We have placed a donation box at the event headquarters to renew the Sunny-chan mascot costume. We appreciate your cooperation. ■ Parking [Mon–Fri] You may park at Roadside Station Harajiri Falls. [Sat, Sun] Please use Ogata General Sports Park (temporary parking lot). ■ Free Shuttle Bus Service On weekends during the period, a free shuttle bus will run between the temporary parking lot and the festa venue. Service dates: April 5 (Sat), April 6 (Sun), April 12 (Sat), April 13 (Sun) Service hours: 9:00–16:30 * Please check the final departure times. * From 2025, no sponsorship fee will be collected at the bus boarding point. Requests Although the roadside station keeps its parking available year-round, on weekends during the festival we ask you to use the temporary parking lot and the free shuttle bus to ensure safety and ease congestion. (On weekdays, the venue parking is open.) If you bring pets, please use a dedicated cage or similar to avoid inconveniencing others. One of the free shuttle buses does not allow pets. Shuttles run as needed, so please follow staff instructions when boarding. You may have to wait to board depending on the time. If the driver or a passenger holds a physical disability certificate and using the free shuttle bus is difficult, vehicle access to the venue is possible. (The number of parking spaces is limited.) Please present the certificate to the traffic guidance staff to receive a passage permit and display it near the front windshield. There is a motorcycle parking area near the venue, but spaces are limited, so please use the temporary parking lot when possible. ■ Event Inquiries Tulip Festa Executive Committee Office Phone: 0974-42-2111 ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungo Ono City (Bungo Ono City) ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250318tyurippu/...

Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks in Arao — Part 3 Introducing Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting gourmet dishes. From addictive flavors to hearty rice bowls! These outrageously tasty dishes will fill you with energy and leave you feeling revitalized! 3. All-You-Can-Eat Ultimate Course — Yakiniku Nulbon Garden Arao Enjoy a thoroughly satisfying course at Nulbon Garden, which has devoted itself to meat for over 40 years, featuring carefully selected grilled meats and authentic Korean cuisine. From premium domestic sirloin and premium domestic short ribs to Korean dishes and desserts, this course is perfect for family dinners and banquets! Yakiniku Nulbon Garden Arao — Highlights! At this yakiniku restaurant you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat course with a wide menu that includes carefully sourced meats such as Kyushu-raised black Wagyu, as well as authentic Korean dishes like cold noodles and bibimbap. The spacious interior offers comfortable booth seating and private rooms. Takeout grilled meat boxes and bento meals are also popular. ◆Name: Yakiniku Nulbon Garden Arao ◆Address: 1518-90 Motoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆Phone: 0968-65-5333 ◆Hours: Weekdays 4:00 PM–10:00 PM (last order 9:30 PM); Sat, Sun, and holidays 11:30 AM–11:00 PM (last order 10:30 PM) ◆Closed: None ◆Seating capacity: 240 seats ◆Private rooms: Yes ◆Smoking seats: No ◆Website: https://www.nurubon.co.jp/tenpo/arao.html... ◆SNS: Facebook・Twitter

【Flowering Information 1】Saitobaru We would like to inform you of the flowering status of Saitobaru on March 19 (Water). The rape flowers in Saitobaru have begun to bloom, albeit little by little. Cherry blossoms are still in buds. As in every year, it is expected to reach its best time to visit at the end of this month. ■ Information on Toilets and Car Parking in the Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus Group Saitobaru Guidance CenterIn addition to the Toilet of Konohanakan Saitobaru there are six public Toilet in the Kofun Tumulus (Imperial Tomb Square, Takatoriyama Parking Lot Car, Takatoriyama Parking Lot, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot 2, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot 3, and Saitobaru Sports Park, so please Use those as well. (with multi-purpose Toilet) * For details, please see the West City Tourism Association website.

Arao’s Top 7 Stamina Dishes — Part 2 Here are Arao City’s delicious stamina-boosting dishes. From addictive signature flavors to hearty rice bowls! These insanely tasty plates will power you up and keep your energy high! 2. Kumamoto Horse Sashimi Assortment, Five Cuts — Rakusai Dining Kuito This Kumamoto specialty features five cuts—marbled, premium horse sashimi, lean red meat, kone (fatty mane), and futaego—each offering different sweetness and textures. Enjoy them with garlic soy, fresh grated ginger, or spicy miso, pairing each condiment to the cut. Rakusai Dining Kuito — Highlights Available only twice a month! Their rare raw horse liver sashimi, prepared with a focus on freshness, offers a unique taste you won’t find elsewhere. The izakaya also prides itself on daily-selected fresh fish from direct sources, Hinomoto pork from Nagomi Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, and premium binchotan charcoal skewers. Spend a fun evening that sparks lively conversation with someone special. *Arrival of horse liver sashimi will be announced on social media.* Name: Rakusai Dining Kuito Address: 1616-67 Shimoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, inside Green Smile Ichibankan Phone: 0968-66-0804 Hours: 11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00 Closed: Thursdays, New Year’s Day Seating capacity: 100 seats Private rooms: Available Smoking: Outdoor smoking area provided Website: https://www.kuraudo.site// Social: LINE, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

[Announcement ❄️ of Winter Gokase 2025❄️ Results] Thank you for waiting! !️ Announcement 🥳🎉 of the results of "Winter Gokase 2025" This time, in addition to the followers of the Gokase Tourism Association's Instagram Account, we decided 👏✨ the winning item by voting by Facebook and Google Form Thank you to 🙇 ♀️💕 everyone who voted Now, let's announce the 👇👇👇 results [🥇 Gold Award] Mr. @mas8787a [🥈 Silver Prize] Mr. @fowafuwarin5 [🥉 Bronze Award] Mr. @yamabico_san The Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which has been revived in yellowtail three years, and the winter appearance of Josenji Temple, which enjoys beautiful scenery in both Spring and autumn, won prizes 🤩✨ It is raining today, but there was a lot of snow this year, so ❄️ there are many difficulties, but I am always amazed 👏 by the power of Nature that creates beautiful scenery and by the people who express themselves through the viewfinder Congratulations ㊗️🥳🎉 to all the winners And There is a to 😭❤️ 🔥 everyone who applied, voted, and participated Spring is finally here 🌸 We will inform you of the Spring campaign soon, so when you come to Gokase to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, please take many photos and cry when 😭💕 you participate 💫 Best regards

Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks from Arao — Part 1 Introducing Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting dishes. From addictive flavors to hearty rice bowls! These insanely tasty menu items will fill you with energy and never let you down! 1. Assorted Offal Platter — Wafu Yakiniku Barikiya Heart, senmai (third stomach), liver, red senmai, and tecchan — five parts with distinct flavors and textures. Each offers abundant nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and iron, making them ideal for replenishing stamina. Enjoy them with a garlic-rich soy sauce glaze! Wafu Yakiniku Barikiya — What makes this place special! This yakiniku restaurant offers many menu options, including great-value lunches. As a butcher-run shop, they purchase whole A5-grade Kuroge Wagyu cattle, so you can try rare cuts. They focus on freshness management to serve safe, high-quality, and delicious meat. ◆Name: Wafu Yakiniku Barikiya ◆Address: 1616-67 Shimoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, inside Green Smile Ichibankan ◆Phone: 0968-66-4129 ◆Hours: 11:30–15:00, 17:00–22:30 ◆Closed: Wednesdays (may change on holidays), New Year’s Day ◆Seats: 100 ◆Private rooms: Yes ◆Smoking seats: No ◆Website: http://www.barikiya.com// ◆SNS: Facebook・Instagram

\🌸 Takao no Naka City 🌸/ Held in again this year! Takaonaka City is one of the three major cities in Kagoshima Prefecture. For two days, on the day of the Spring Equinox and the next day, it becomes a pedestrian paradise for about 1 km from north to south, east and west, centered on the intersection in front of Takaono Station, and many stalls are lined up. Various Events will be Held in Main Venue the parking lot of the JA Takaono Office Car. It is also known as "Soba City" and there are Soba noodle stores lined up in the venue. It will be very crowded on the day of the event, so please Use public transportation or the free shuttle bus from the Car parking lot to the venue. —————————— ■ Takao no Naka City Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 and Friday, March 21, 2025 【Place】Takaono Station Crossing (24 Shibiki, Takaono Town, Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture) 【Inquiry】Secretariat of the City Executive Committee (#Tsuru Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Takaono Main Office) 【Phone】0996-82-1065 【Cars】 　Takaono Sports Ground Riverbed 　Twinkle Dome 　Car parking lot on the west side of the Kirameki Dome 　Health Management Center 　Fureai Park Car Parking Lot 　Water flow playground riverbed Car parking lot 　Takaono Elementary School Ground (March 20 only) 　Takaono Junior High School Ground (March 20 only) 　* Car at Takaono Elementary School and Takaono Junior High School please do not park your car on March 21. 　* Free shuttle bus will be operated only on the 20th. Please Use it when coming by Car. 【Details】https://r.goope.jp/srb-46-25/info/6146579...

Tokiwa mansaku, a flower that grows naturally in only three places in Japan From Shodai Mountain, popular for its many hiking routes and as a beginner-friendly mountain walk, we introduce tokiwa-mansaku (tokiwa mansaku). Tokiwa refers to evergreens that keep their leaves year-round. Mansaku is said to express the wish for a bountiful harvest. The three places in Japan where you can encounter wild tokiwa-mansaku flowers are said to be Shodai Mountain, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Ise Jingu, Mie Prefecture Kamukura, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture Typically they are in bloom from mid-April to late April each year. Spot information Shodai Mountain (Shodai-san) Shodai Mountain parking lot, restrooms available 2773-595 Kaba, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture 0968-63-1421 (Arao City Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division) #Shodai Mountain #Arao-jenic #tokiwa-mansaku #Kyushu mountains #Kyushu Nature Trail #low-mountain hike #mountain climbing #Shodai Mountain trail running #Arao City #Kumamoto

【Cotton Cafe】Relaxing, yarn spinning experience 🧶 Today, I would like to introduce ☺️✨ the "Cotton Cafe" held on the third Saturday of every month at the former Kuraoka junior high school "Kuraokakura" Feel free to Use the café only.☕💕 You can 😌 order delicious homemade cakes and drinks Today's cake was a cake with kumquat jam and a cake 🍰✨ with apple jam (I had a lot of it, but it was 🤤 insanely delicious) Everyone was having a relaxing time 🫶 while enjoying reading and chatting Of course! There is a fee, but you can 🧶✨ also experience yarn spinning Pick up cotton seeds with a "cotton gin" ↓ Use a tool called a "hand carder" like a large slicker brush to adjust the stream of fibers. ↓ When wrapped around a winding stick, a bundle of cotton called a "pony" is formed 😌☁️, which looks like a fluffy cocoon ↓ If you pull this out little by little with a tool called a spindle and twist it, you will get 😳👏 a magnificent thread as shown in the first photo It seems that 💡 you can adjust the thickness of the finished yarn by twisting the fiber and the amount of force You can make it thinner or thicker, or try to spin a single yarn with various thicknesses... There are There are fun of spinning your favorite yarn If 🤗✨ you are interested, please try 💪 it When you visit Cotton Cafe, you don't need to make a reservation or anything, so 👌 please feel free to stop by and enjoy 😌🌿 your own time 【Date & Time】3rd Saturday 13:00~15:00 【Place】Kuraoka Kurara (Staff Room) 〒882-1201 5929 Kuraoka, Gokase-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture 【Reservation】Not required 【Fee】Yarn spinning experience 1,500 yen, cotton (with seeds) 400 yen

Enjoyable even on rainy days! Spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Arao City Library Address : 〒864-0033 1-1-1 Midorigaoka, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Opening hours : 10:00–20:00 Closed : Last day of every month (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) Admission : Free Phone : 0968-57-7747 Designed with the image of a "Tidal Flat Library," the interior features several zones. There is a room where children can take off their shoes and enjoy picture books at ease, and a children’s restroom with a nursing room, so families with small children can relax and use the facilities comfortably. Manda Pit Station Address : 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Opening hours : 9:30–17:00 Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday) Admission : Free (Manda Pit ruins require a fee) Phone : 0968-57-9155 This is an indoor exhibition facility located just before Manda Pit. In addition to dioramas and explanatory panels, a free VR experience is available. The 360-degree realistic images and sound let you feel as if you have descended underground. It’s a weatherproof attraction where you can learn about the history of Manda Pit. Marugoto Orao Product Center Address : 〒864-0001 169-22 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture Opening hours : 11:00–16:30 Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday) Admission : Free Phone : 0968-57-9960 This product center offers souvenirs such as local specialties and sake from Arao, the local pottery known as Shodai-yaki, and a tourism information corner introducing Arao’s gourmet spots and nearby sights. On sunny days, it’s pleasant to rest on the benches at the rooftop observation area. Arao Kids Dome Address : 〒864-0041 4186-19 Arao, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture (Inside Arao General Cultural Center) Opening hours : Sessions last 2 hours each Session 1 9:00–11:00 Session 2 12:30–14:30 Session 3 15:00–17:00 Closed : Tuesdays (the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday) Admission : 700 yen for junior high school students and older 300 yen for ages 3 up to junior high school students Free for children under 2 *Group discounts available for 20 or more people Phone : 0968-66-4111 This indoor experiential digital art exhibit is produced by the internationally popular teamLab. Children can easily join by coloring pictures that then come to life on the walls and floors. Though sessions are time-limited, it’s an immersive and joyful space that kids will love.

As part of the Kumamoto Prefectural Theater’s 40th anniversary projects, five videos were produced under the theme “A Moving Theater.” One of these, a collaboration video pairing Manda Pit with dance, has been released on YouTube. The performance set against the historic Manda Pit features professional dancer Yusuke Hayama as lead, choreographer, and scriptwriter. Art director Takashi Yoshida composed and directed an original piece for this project, and the film was produced by OP Films from Onigashima Productions. True to the phrase “Dance is Timeless,” the video offers a dance interpretation of Manda Pit’s history that transcends eras. https://arao-kankou.jp/info/11207/... Other videos created under the “A Moving Theater” theme are also available. Please take a look. ・Sakitsu Village × Double Bass ・Yatsushiro Myoken Festival × Tsugaru Shamisen and Japanese Drums ・Aso × String Quartet ・Misumi West Port × Marching Band

❄️ "Winter Gokase 2025" Voting Now Open ❄️【Until Sunday, March 16, 2025!】 Thank you all for entering "Winter Gokase 2025"! We have conducted a careful first-round selection by the tourism association staff and chosen ten entries from all submissions.🙏✨ From these ten entries, we will ask everyone to vote to decide the prize winners.🤩👏 Among those who vote, ten people will be randomly selected to receive specialty products from Gokase Town as a gift.🎁💫 We appreciate your participation.🙇‍♀️ How to vote is explained below.💡 [Voting period: Until Sunday, March 16, 2025] ⚠️ Voting is limited to one method per person and one vote per account or individual. <To vote via Instagram> https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. ・From the posts marked with the hashtag "#Winter Gokase 2025 Vote," choose one of the ten featured entries and comment the photo number in that post's comment section.✍ ⚠️ If you are not following the account, message exchanges may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift drawing. Please be aware. <To vote via Facebook> https://www.facebook.com/gokase.kanko/?locale=ja_JP... ・Choose one of the ten featured entries in this post and comment the photo number. ・Voting is limited to one vote per account. ⚠️ If you win the gift drawing, we will contact you via Facebook Messenger. If there is no reply within two weeks, the prize will be forfeited. <To vote via the website> ・Go to the "Winter Gokase 2025 Vote" page from the Gokase Tourism Association website's news topics (https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1994.html...） ・Click the URL on the "Winter Gokase 2025 Vote" page to open the voting form. ・Enter your email address. ・Choose one of the ten entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response. ⚠️ If you do not enter an email address, you will be excluded from the gift drawing. Please be sure to view the original posts by the applicants before voting.🤗 1. @yamabico_san (photo 2) 2. @gokase_entertainment (photo 3) 3. @photo_ay_umi (photo 4) 4. @mgm_1228 (photo 5) 5. @eco9syu_sekiryo (photo 6) 6. @goto0619 (photo 7) 7. @fowafuwarin5 (photo 8) 8. @thusandleavis (photo 9) 9. @mas8787a (photo 10) 10. @photo_ay_umi (photo 11) We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone 🥰

🎿 Ski Resort Final Event 🏂 Sunday, March 9 was the last day of operations for Gokase Highland Ski Resort ❄️ Under a clear sky, a big prize drawing took place from 11:00 AM 🎁 Cheers erupted each time the winning numbers for lavish prizes were announced, and the drawing ended in great excitement 😆✨ After the drawing, visitors immediately enjoyed the last runs of the season on the slopes 🎿 Gokase Highland Ski Resort, revived this season ❄️ Thanks to everyone, we were able to operate safely through today 😊 Thank you very much 🥰 We look forward to seeing you again next season!!

Inochi no Hi Project in Gokase Town On Saturday, March 8, I visited the "Inochi no Hi Project in Gokase Town" held at the Gokase Town Welfare Center 🤗 Although the event took a four-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued since the year after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake 😌 The beautiful event invited people to remember those affected by earthquakes and other disasters across Japan, to keep those memories alive, and to cherish life ✨ A donation box to raise funds for disaster recovery was placed at the venue, and visitors kindly contributed what they could ☺️ There were stalls selling tasty snacks and cute crafts, and the venue was lively 🥳 On stage, hosted by members of the organizing G Ongakutai, a full program of singing and dancing entertained the audience 🤩✨ Many songs in the lineup carried messages for disaster-hit areas, creating a program unique to a charity event 😌👏 The finale featured everyone joining in to sing "Hana wa Saku" together 🎶 At the end of the event, children lit wax balls in a lighting ceremony, and wrapped in gentle light, all attendees observed a moment of silence. May the thoughts from Gokase Town reach those in the disaster-affected areas…🙏

[❄️ Introducing photos submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Final installment ❄️] The Gokase Tourism Association held the “#Winter Gokase 2025” photo event on its Instagram account through February 28. This is the final showcase of the entries we received.🥹✨ @fowafuwarin5 @mas8787a @mgm_1228 (in no particular order) Making its long-awaited debut is Unoko Falls✨ These lovely photos capture the ski area where snow still lingers and the surrounding great outdoors.👏 Thank you all for so many submissions.😭 It was a harsh winter, but many of the winter photos felt warm and heartening.😊☀️

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association. We will now share plenty of reasons to fall in love with Morotsuka Village in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. First, let us introduce Morotsuka Village. ◆◇◆About Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture, sits nearly in the center of the Kyushu Central Mountain Range. About 90% of the village area is forest. There is almost no flat land; 84 small settlements dot the mountain slopes. Under the slogan of building a forestry-centered village, Morotsuka has promoted village development by protecting mountains, creating forests, and living in harmony with nature while benefiting from the forest. This is a village that lives with the forest, thinking not only about themselves but also about one another and not only about the present but about children and grandchildren. ◆◇◆Access◆◇◆ * About two hours by car from Kumamoto Airport * About two hours by car from Miyazaki Airport * From Miyazaki Airport take the train to JR Hyuga City Station (limited express about 65 minutes), then a route bus runs from Hyuga City Station to Morotsuka Village. If you use train and route bus, take the JR Nippo Main Line to JR Hyuga City Station, then a Miyazaki Kotsu route bus to Morotsuka village center, "Morotsuka," which takes about 90 minutes. * Please board a bus bound for "Kamishiiba" or "Tsukahara." (For route bus details, check the Miyazaki Kotsu website.) ※For current traffic restrictions, please check the Morotsuka Navi Website. ◆◇◆Tourist Spots in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ ■Ecomuseum Morotsuka Shiitake Hall 21 This facility houses the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association office and Restaurant Donkotei. It used to be a place to learn about shiitake, but it has been renovated as a tourist information and community space. Across the Hotaru Bridge, on the opposite bank, stands the main statue of Kunugi Jizo carved from a sawtooth oak more than 100 years old. You can walk down to the river to enjoy a boxed lunch or play in the clear stream. ◇◆◇Accommodations in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park Perched around 800 meters above sea level in nature-rich Morotsuka, Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park offers log houses and a campsite. From the Hyuga direction the road is a single lane each way, so drivers who are not used to mountain roads can still feel at ease. The park features an athletic course, grass skiing, and putter golf, so families with young children can enjoy themselves together. A scenic cross-country course nearby makes for a pleasant, leisurely walk amid nature. The popular Akimasa Observatory, known for its views, is about a five-minute drive. We recommend rising early to watch the sunrise; with luck you may see a sea of clouds. Spring bursts with flowers, summer brings lush greenery and cool highland air, autumn ignites in brilliant foliage, and winter offers quiet days with occasional snow flurries. It’s a place to savor the changing seasons and relax in nature. ■Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village One of the village’s two campgrounds is Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village. Morotsukayama, one of Kyushu’s 100 famous mountains, towers here amid rich nature. Nearby is a river park next to a water-rich gorge, where you can enjoy river play and fishing in summer (fishing requires a permit). ■Forest Folk House Yamashigi Forest The Forest Folk House consists of two historic houses: "Shitashigi," built in the Taisho era, and "Nakashigi," built in the Meiji era. You reach them by climbing a winding mountain road, yet these homes once served as a transportation hub before roads and cars existed. Today they serve as an experiential exchange facility where city visitors and mountain residents deepen ties through farm work. Perched high as if touching the sky, the site preserves nostalgic scenes such as an irori hearth, a goemon bath, and a wood-fired stove. ■Forest Folk House Series These traditional houses let you fully enjoy the breath of nature. Surrounded by mountains, with the warmth of wood, the scent of earth, and a communal irori hearth, Morotsuka’s forest folk houses offer a relaxed pace and a restful place to experience human–nature coexistence. [List of folk houses] ・Yamashigi Forest ・Heida no Sato ・Sakura no Tsubone ・Yoshiya ◇◆◇Local Specialties of Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Shiitake Shiitake cultivated using 100% log-grown mushrooms from rich forests certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. Morotsuka Village proudly offers these flavorful, aromatic log-grown shiitake—please savor them. ■Mori no Hyakkamitsu (Forest Wildflower Honey) This honey comes from Japanese honeybees cherished by Morotsuka’s honey hunters. Natural beekeeping in the mountains draws nectar from a wide range of flowers. The honey the bees diligently collect—called "mori no hyakkamitsu" or wildflower honey—is highly nutritious with a rich taste and aroma. A single bee produces only about a spoonful of honey in its lifetime, making it very precious. ■Yomogi Dango (Mugwort Rice Dumplings) Fresh yomogi gathered from the mountains, nurtured by clean air and water, are made into yomogi dango using traditional methods. These treats are a countryside-only luxury, full of yomogi fragrance and filled with expertly kneaded sweet bean paste. ■Mountain-Processed Foods Women’s associations active across the scattered mountain settlements prepare goods in local workrooms every day. They transform mountain-harvested ingredients into the village’s delicious products—miso, yuzu pepper, konnyaku, dressings, and more. We will continue to share the charms of nature-rich Morotsuka Village—stay tuned!