The 82nd Inukai Donko Fishing Tournament The Donko Fishing Tournament in Inukai Town, which began in 1929 (Showa 4), now marks its 82nd edition this year and has become widely known as the town of Donko. This year’s event includes attractions designed to delight the children, who are the stars of the day. Please join us for a Donko Fishing Tournament full of fun. Date and Time Sunday, May 11, 2025 Donko fishing registration starts / 8:30–10:30 Registration location / Tournament venue entrance Location Downstream of Inukai Ohashi Bridge (National Route 10 side) Kuhara, Inukai Town, Bungo-Ono City Entry Fee 500 yen per participant Bait included (first time only; additional bait 200 yen) Participation prize / child patch (for elementary school children and younger) * Fishing gear sets are available for rent (fee applies) * Payment of the entry fee grants access to the Treasure Hunt (for elementary school children and younger), weighing and judging for the Donko Fishing Tournament, and the fun prize lottery. Prizes Many prizes including 1st–3rd place, biggest fish award, and special awards Schedule ■ 11:00–11:30 Treasure Hunt Children will be divided into three groups (under elementary school age; grades 1–3; grades 4–6). ■ 12:00–13:00 Weigh-in and judging registration ■ 13:15 (planned) Results announcement and awards ■ 13:30–14:00 Prize lottery with luxurious prizes Other Events ■ Food stalls 9:00– Plenty of delicious food. ■ Exciting Fishing 10:30– Fun even for very young children. Participation fee 200 yen Additional Information Event will proceed in light rain. * Even if the weather is fine on the day, the event will be canceled if the river is swollen. For safety, do not enter the water above knee level. Wear a life jacket when playing in the river. Young children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times. Event Inquiries Bungo-Ono City Inukai Branch Office Phone: 097-578-1111 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 Kyushu, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Photos Vol.2 🌸] We’re back with another big batch of entries to the “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” contest now running on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account. We’ll be sharing many of the submissions today.💪🌟 @1230fuukeinoturishi These nostalgic shots capture not only the classic weeping cherry at Josenji Temple but also everyday cherry blossom scenes from the Kuraoka area.🥺 The photographer’s sensibility that turns your eyes not only to the cherry trees but also to the charming mountain flowers is something to admire and learn from…🙏✨ We’ll be featuring entries every day for a while, so please stay with us.🙇‍♀️ -------------------------------------------------------------------- ≪#How to Enter: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 ≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho. Add the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (for example: #March 20) to your Instagram post. 🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... [Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 through Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️ Please take full care to avoid accidents when photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 1 🌸] We are sharing entries submitted to the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.🫡✨ So many lovely entries arrived, and we’ll be showcasing them one after another.👏 @_yuta610 @a2o_yoshino @aaatkt6 (in no particular order) Photos feature the cherry blossoms at Josenji, the Harada family residence, Kijiya, and Mikasho Shrine.💡 The daytime blossoms and the night cherry trees are both truly beautiful.🥹💕 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ≪How to Enter the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 Contest≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and the shooting date (for example: March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... [Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while shooting photos.

Guide to the Manda Pit Multilingual Guide System 💁‍♀️✨ At Manda Pit, you can use a multilingual guide system as well as Japanese. Scan the QR code in the image or visit here → http://www.mandako.jp// to use the system! #Kumamoto #Arao #Manda Pit #mandako #MiikeCoalMine #MandaPit

Arao’s food scene is full of variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of satisfying flavors to enjoy. From specialty sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku restaurants to stylish cafes and dining spots, Arao also offers many confectioneries and nightlife venues. After a full day of fun, relax at the place you like. ~ Okonomiyaki Gen-chan ~ This restaurant serves both Kansai-style and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. In Arao, we deliver free for orders of two or more. Genre Okonomiyaki Address 573-3 Miyauchi, Arao City Phone 0968-63-0588 Hours 11:00 – 15:00 (last order 14:30) 17:00 – 21:00 (last order 20:30) Closed Wednesdays (if a public holiday, the next day) Parking 10 spaces

Arao’s gourmet scene offers a rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of flavors to satisfy everyone! Arao’s food scene ranges from specialty sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku shops to chic cafes and restaurants, plus many confectioneries and nighttime drinking spots. After a full day of fun, enjoy a meal at your favorite place. ~Yamaguchi Unagi Restaurant~ The fragrant, grilled eel is superb. The skin is crisp, and the flesh is tender and fluffy. Genre Sushi and Japanese cuisine Address 6 Ban, Arao City Phone number 0968-62-0020 Business hours 11:30 – 13:30 16:00 – 19:00 Closed Tuesdays Parking 10 spaces Seating capacity 20 seats

Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots in Kuwanochi 🌸 Yesterday, Monday, April 7, the weather turned warm with a gentle breeze and clear skies☀️ It was truly a perfect day for hanami🌸🍡 When people think of cherry blossoms in Gokasecho, the Sanga area is especially famous, but Kuwanochi also hides some lesser-known blossom spots😌✨ Photos 1–3 show the cherry trees you see on the left just before you reach the top of the hill where the road from National Route 218 turns toward Yuhinosato Bridge and meets Prefectural Route 8📸 Two large, pale-pink cherry trees stand between tea fields and a vast blue sky stretching as far as the Aso caldera🌸 It’s the kind of serene satoyama landscape that takes your breath away🥹✨ This place seems to be a well-kept secret with many devoted fans🤭💕 Photos 4–5 show the cherry tree by a private house you’ll find right after descending the lane beside the fire station along Prefectural Route 8📸 A magnificent weeping cherry stands out against a carpet of rapeseed flowers at its feet and the bright blue sky behind it. It’s a vivid, springlike scene🤗✨ Beside it, vivid purple magnolia blooms in profusion, making this spot a joyful celebration of spring🤩 Finally, photos 6–8 show the cherry at Koshoji Temple📸 You have to view it from a bit of a distance to take in the whole tree — it’s very large😳✨ The pure white petals contrast beautifully with the red-and-white mottled camellias planted in front. The sight is stunning and powerful; this cherry tree is well worth a visit🙏💡 That brings us to the entrance of Kuwanochi and ends the cherry tree tour for now😌 Please tell us about your favorite cherry trees too✨ A note on the private houses I featured: these are private properties, so when viewing, please do not enter yards or make loud noises. Observe good manners to avoid bothering neighbors🙇‍♀️ Now, rain is forecast for this Thursday — will the blossoms be gone then? 🥲 It’s a little sad, but that fleeting beauty is part of their charm🫶 Cherry-blossom showers are poetic; let’s enjoy them to the fullest while they last🌸

[🌸 Night Cherry Blossoms Around Gokasecho 🌙] The weeping cherry trees across town are now in full bloom, and their night-time beauty is not to be missed ✨ So, I’ll share the night cherry blossom photos I took on Sunday, April 6th 📸🤗 Josenji needs no introduction, and the weeping cherry at the Harada residence overwhelms you with its powerful presence 😳 It was a clear day, and the moonlight paired beautifully with the blossoms 🌙 The weeping cherries around Josenji’s bell were a little behind, but they bloomed fully and created an elegant scene 👏 Kijiya has finally reached its peak, and the night cherry blossoms reflected on the pond are stunning 🥹✨ Daytime sakura are wonderful, but a night cherry blossom tour is lovely too 😌🌸 Fewer people are around, so you can enjoy them at a relaxed pace 💡 The light-up schedule is as follows: Josenji’s weeping cherry until Sunday, April 13th, and Kijiya’s weeping cherry until Wednesday, April 16th 😊 Please be quiet when viewing at night, since these trees are near private homes 🤫 Also, dressing in dark colors can make you hard to see from cars at night. Wear noticeable colors like yellow or white or use reflectors to avoid accidents 🙏 These weeping cherries will likely treat us to their beauty for a little while longer 😊 Let’s enjoy them safely and courteously ✨ We have received many photos for our ongoing #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 campaign on the association’s Instagram account (@gokae_kanko) — thank you so much 😭 Thank you 😭 We’re still accepting entries, so please do submit your photos — seriously, please!! 🙇‍♀️✨ https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/...

Full bloom of flowers 🌸 Today, Sunday, April 6, brought warm sunshine and a distinctly springlike atmosphere 🌞 The town’s flowers are now at their best ✨ The cherry blossoms and camellias at Mikasho Shrine are also at peak, drawing many visitors 😊 Traffic is heavy, so please take care when passing through!

Cherry Blossom Report: Ontakesan Sakura Road as of April 3, 2025 The cherry trees along the road on Mt. Ontake in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture are at their best. They seem to be at their peak now, with some petals starting to fall in the wind. The views are excellent, making it a great drive. Location: Kiyokawamachi, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250403spot-kiyokawa/...

🌸 The weeping cherry trees at Josenji are now in bloom 🌸 In Gokasecho, the cooler-than-usual temperatures delayed the blossoms this year, but the weeping cherry at Josenji has now reached its peak viewing period 🤗✨ (It is not yet fully in bloom!) You should be able to enjoy the beautiful weeping cherry through the beginning of next week 🌸 The trees are also lit up after sunset, so please enjoy the night blossoms as well 👏✨ Please note that the Josenji illumination will end as soon as the peak viewing period passes 🙏 Expect heavy crowds, especially on weekends ⚠️ Follow the directions of traffic attendants around Josenji and take care when arriving by car 🚗 Nearby weeping cherries at the Harada residence and Kijiya are slowly coming into bloom as well, so enjoy them together 🫶 (And please consider entering photos you take in our association’s ongoing photo contest “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on Instagram 😘📸) https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/...

Arao’s gourmet scene offers rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of dishes to leave everyone fully satisfied! From specialty sushi bars, ramen shops, okonomiyaki and yakiniku restaurants to chic cafés and dining venues, plus an abundance of confectioneries and nightlife spots, Arao serves up a diverse culinary lineup. After a day of fun, relax and enjoy your favorite place. ~Moranbon~ This restaurant serves black-haired wagyu beef graded 4 or higher. Their house-made kimchi also comes highly recommended. Genre Yakiniku (grilled meat) Address 65-3 Oshima, Arao City Phone 0968-64-1855 Business hours 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Last order 11:00 PM) Closed Wednesdays (except public holidays) Parking 15 spaces Capacity 60 people Official site https://www.arao-yakiniku.com//

Arao’s gourmet scene offers a rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of flavors to satisfy everyone. From specialty sushi bars, ramen shops, okonomiyaki houses, and yakiniku restaurants to stylish cafes and dining spots, Arao also has an abundance of confectioneries and nighttime hangouts. After a full day of fun, enjoy a meal at your favorite place. ~ Ozeki Sushi (Oozeki Sushi) ~ You can dine pleasantly with family and friends at reasonable prices. Bento boxes are also popular. Genre Sushi · Japanese cuisine Address 2089-8 Kuraman, Arao City Phone 0968-68-2214 Hours 12:00–15:00 (last order 14:00) 17:00–21:00 (last order 20:00) Closed Tuesdays Parking 1 large vehicle · 15 regular spaces Seats 70 seats Official site https://susi-oozeki.jimdosite.com//

Gokase Sakura Project: Cherry Blossom Festival🌸 On Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30, a cherry blossom festival took place around the weeping cherry tree in Kijiya. This post shows scenes from Saturday, March 29. Despite the low temperatures, the morning brought sunshine, and the venue buzzed with a wide variety of food stalls and kitchen cars and many visitors. That evening, timed with the night illumination, members of Naniloa HULA studio performed a graceful hula dance. Although the stage was set under a cold sky, the dancers’ beaming smiles warmed everyone’s hearts. As of March 29, about 20–30% of the cherry trees were in bloom overall, so unfortunately they were not at full bloom. Still, the lights that the students of Miyazaki Prefectural Gokase Secondary School worked hard to install cast a gentle glow that made the venue beautiful even with fewer blossoms.

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