Nagikama Shrine⛩ The other day I visited Nagikama Shrine on Kirigamine for the first time. Last year I heard about Nagikama Shrine, which had replaced its wooden torii with a stone monument, and I had planned to visit after the snow melted. A passing comment from my wife, who loves Kirigamine, finally prompted us to go. As someone who loves the Onbashira festival, I’ve grown fond of visiting shrines, and I had long wanted to see Nagikama Shrine, so I took my camera and headed for Kirigamine at last. We parked in the lot below the ski area and followed directions toward the Glider Museum, but unsure of the way and hesitating, I spotted a small sign in front of the museum reading Nagikama Shrine 0.5 km and followed it. It felt a bit farther than expected. Together with my wife and our two children, we walked for several minutes, enjoying Kirigamine’s nature, until we saw the stone monument marking Nagikama Shrine. As a shrine, a torii would feel more fitting, but the stone monument had its own charm. The approach was neatly covered with wood chips, making for a very pleasant walk. When we reached the small shrine, the view took my breath away. It was a scene that excited me like I hadn’t felt in a long time. The clear weather that day only amplified the spectacle. Below stretched the Suwa Basin, the serene Lake Suwa sat beautifully, the Central Alps rose ahead, the Northern Alps to the right, the Southern Alps to the left with sacred Mt. Fuji beside them, and Yatsugatake behind to the left. A shrine that offers a view of so many mountains at once may be rare in Japan, I thought.🏔 As a self‑declared Seeker of Suwa’s Best Views, this vista immediately made my list of top spots. Tateishi Park offers a sweeping view of the Suwa plain and is very scenic, but Nagikama sits at a higher elevation and has an indescribable beauty. I felt it would be a shame to keep this to myself, so I’m sharing it here. The shrine’s goshuin (stamp) is newly available, so anyone touring Suwa’s shrines or visiting Kirigamine should definitely stop by. If the weather is clear, you won’t regret it! ・Enshrined deities: Takeminakata no Okami, also known as Osuwa‑sama: god of martial valor and abundant harvests ・Oyamatsumi no Okami: god of industry and maritime affairs, and further revered as the ancestral deity of sake brewing ・Ashinazuchi no Okami and Tenazuchi no Okami ⇐ Kushinadahime: parents of Kushinadahime, wife of Susanoo no Mikoto A nagikama (a sacred implement shaped like a sickle) discovered at the ruins of the former Misayama is dedicated here. After the main pillars for the Onbashira are selected, the nagikama is hammered onto those pillars. Curiously, this practice occurs only on the Onbashira of Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine. The nagikama has a shape resembling a rooster’s head and is considered one of Suwa Taisha’s sacred treasures. The nagikama is enshrined inside the hokora, so please take a look along with the spectacular view. Suwa Taisha also offers nagikama amulets♪

Big NEWS!!! The “Gokuraku Set” from Suwa Gokura has been renewed and will be on sale from April 1, 2024🍶!!! The previous set let you enjoy tastings of four to five kinds of sake at each brewery and included a special drawstring pouch and glass. This hugely popular offering has reopened with a refresh!!! In the renewed version, each of the five breweries adds an original special sticker, and the stickers come on backing cards so the collection becomes like a goshuincho (shrine-stamp book) marking visits to all five breweries! It also supports inbound foreign tourists: as a purchase bonus you get access to a digital map in Japanese, English, and Chinese. This digital map even includes sightseeing information around Kamisuwa Station and locations for evacuation and disaster preparedness!!! It’s been greatly upgraded! And for lovers of sake🍶 and stickers, it’s irresistible♪ After your trip, you can relive the memories with your five-brewery sticker book! The new Gokuraku Set is renewed from April 1, 2024, priced at 3,000 yen including tax, and available for purchase at the Suwa City Tourist Information Center inside Kamisuwa Station!!! Local residents and travelers to Suwa alike—please take this opportunity to enjoy it!

As many of you know, Lake Suwa is famous for its omiwatari, but are you also aware of another mysterious natural phenomenon called yosehyo? Lake Suwa often experiences strong winds in winter, and yosehyo occurs when ice that has formed but not completely frozen cracks and the ice sheets are driven by strong winds onto the shore. This phenomenon appears on large lakes and does not occur in constantly flowing rivers. The ice sheets can look like huge shards of glass, piling up in layers to create a magical scene. The ice also looks especially beautiful when it reflects sunlight. Take a walk and photograph the scene, or experience the enchanting winter of Lake Suwa while running or walking. The omiwatari has not appeared for six years, including last winter. Neither yosehyo nor omiwatari is guaranteed to appear every year. That is why the Suwa Tourist Association streams live video on its website during the winter. We strongly recommend checking those live streams before you visit. ◎ Also, even if the lake is frozen, walking on the ice is extremely dangerous because you could fall into Lake Suwa. Please follow proper manners and view the ice from a safe location.

I looked up at Himeji Castle. You can see the multi-layered roof and the structure of the eaves, and it is not only beautiful. You can get a glimpse of the original appearance of the sturdy castle, and the people who made it in the past are the very essence of Cool Japan.

When I took a picture of Himeji Castle with the front shifted, the height of the castle walls and the presence of the castle tower stood out. It's a place you want to visit at least once.

I took a picture of the Kondo hall of Toshodai-ji Temple, which is known for its tenpei paintings. The way the tiles of the large roof are neatly roofed makes you feel the commitment of the craftsmen of the Tenpei period even today, which is truly Cool Japan.

It is the Imperial Gate of Daigoji Temple, Kyoto. The chrysanthemum crest of the Imperial Family and the crest of Toyotomi's 75 paulownia shining in gold are truly gorgeous.

I cut out the corner window of Unryu-in, a separate temple of Senchuku-ji Temple in the south of Kyoto. Senchung Temple is a prestigious and splendid temple, but perhaps because the transportation is a little inconvenient, tourists Surprisingly few, it is a hidden gem temple. You can see Unryuin Temple by going to the right hand side of the temple instead of heading to the main hall after entering the gate. Please visit it when you go to Kyoto.

I cut out the round window of Unryu-in, a separate temple of Senchuku-ji Temple in the south of Kyoto. Senchung Temple is a prestigious and splendid temple, but perhaps because the transportation is a little inconvenient, tourists Surprisingly few, it is a hidden gem temple. You can see Unryuin Temple by going to the right hand side of the temple instead of heading to the main hall after entering the gate. Please visit it when you go to Kyoto.

I cut out the night scene. This is the illumination of Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple during the autumn foliage season. Impression of the tower that emerges in the dark is mysterious and very beautiful. The very act of directing like this. Cool Japan.

Hello! This is the Suwa Tourist Association. Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture sits at the heart of Nagano Prefecture. The area offers beautiful natural scenery such as Lake Suwa and Kirigamine, along with rich history you can experience at sites like Takashima Castle and Suwa Grand Shrine. At Cool Japan Video, we share recommended sightseeing spots and the latest information about Suwa City, so please stay tuned! ◆◆About Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City has a population of about 47,000 and is roughly a two-hour drive from the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Suwa Grand Shrine Upper Shrine and Lower Shrine, said to be one of Japan’s oldest shrines, attracts many visitors year-round. In the Edo period the city prospered as the castle town of the Takashima Domain, and in the Meiji period it grew into a global center of the sericulture industry. ◆◆Tourist Attractions in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Suwa Grand Shrine This shrine is the head of Suwa Grand Shrine sites across Japan. The Upper Shrine is divided between Honmiya (Main Shrine) in Suwa City and Former Shrine in Chino City, while the Lower Shrine consists of Autumn Shrine and Harumiya in Shimosuwa Town, forming a two-shrine, four-shrines configuration. Built in the architectural style known as Suwa-zukuri, the shrine buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and the shrine forests are prefectural natural monuments. A popular sightseeing course is the pilgrimage visiting the four shrines known as the “Shisha Mairi.” ◇Takashima Castle and Takashima Park Built about 420 years ago, the castle is nicknamed the “Floating Castle of Suwa” because Lake Suwa’s waters once served as its moat. The present castle tower welcomes many visitors as a museum and observation deck. Takashima Park inside the castle grounds is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. ◇Lake Suwa Located almost at the center of Nagano Prefecture, Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Shinshu with a shoreline of about 16 kilometers. The lakeside offers pleasant walks and plenty to see, including the Harmo Museum of Art and SUWA Glass Village, one of the largest glass museums in Nagano Prefecture. ◇Kami-suwa Onsen This hot spring on the shores of Lake Suwa ranks among the nation’s top in daily spring output. A large number of hotels, ryokan, minshuku, and day-trip hot spring facilities allow visitors to plan their stay as they like. ◇Tateishi Park Perched on the hillside, the park overlooks Lake Suwa below. There’s even local talk that it inspired a movie setting. Tateishi Park is selected among the 100 Best Sunset Points in Shinshu and included in the New Three Major Night Views and Night View 100 selections. ◇Kirigamine Highlands Alpine plants color the highlands through the seasons. The panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the Alps, and the Yatsugatake Mountain Range provide unforgettable scenery. Kirigamine Ski Area within the highlands offers winter sports. ◇Nagano Prefectural Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center This prefectural visitor center in Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park presents photos and panels to learn about the plants, animals, and history found on Kirigamine. ◇Suwa Gokura (Five Breweries of Suwa) Thanks to the spring water that wells up from the Kirigamine Highlands, the clear air, and the cool climate, Suwa City’s sake ranks among the top in Japan. Five breweries—the Suwa Gokura—stand in the city, and brewery-hopping tours to sample each sake are popular. ◆◆Local Specialties of Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City produces a wide range of local specialties, including quince (marmelo) products, river fish products, sake, kanten (agar), and Shinshu miso, all grown and made locally. These items are known for their high quality and are highly regarded not only in local markets but across Japan. ◆◆Festivals and Events in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Onbashira Festival at Suwa Grand Shrine This traditional ritual of Suwa Grand Shrine has been handed down for over 1,200 years and takes place every seven years in the years of the Tiger and Monkey. During Onbashira, sixteen fir trees over 17 meters tall are raised by hand at the four corners of the shrine buildings. The next festival will be held in 2028. ◇Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks Display on Lake Suwa Held annually on August 15, spectacular fireworks launched from platforms set on Hatsushima on Lake Suwa paint the lake with brilliant color. This is one of the nation’s largest fireworks festivals, attracting about 500,000 spectators each year. ◆◆Sharing Tourist Information about Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City is a region rich in charm woven from its history, nature, and culture. Visit Suwa City to immerse yourself in Japanese history, surround yourself with great nature, and enjoy moments of pure bliss. At Cool Japan Video, we will continue to share recommended information about Suwa City, so please look forward to it.

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and Please enjoy the exquisite gourmet of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Shokusai Sake Yuraku". ・ Relaxing space Handmade dishes are offered at reasonable prices. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot Name】Shokusai Sake Yuraku　 【Address】148-4 Kawazuhama, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-36-3324 【Business hours】18:00~22:00 【Regular holiday】Not opens 【Parking lot】2 cars

TV Asahi's 'Jun Sanpo' Junji Takada Takes a Further Stroll Through Isehara Japan Heritage! The spectacular Mt. Ooyama revered by Edo townspeople as the 'Mountain of the Gods' Worship pleasures, souvenirs and gourmet treats abound along the Koma approach This week, on Monday and Tuesday, two full days showcased the charms of Mt. Ooyama. After walks around Tsurumaki Onsen and Tokai University-mae, the Isehara episode aired further on Friday, May 24. ◇ Program Content "With every step, a new encounter is born…" Junji Takada explores the town freely under the theme "one step, one meeting (ippo ichi e)" ◇ Cast [Cast] Junji Takada Broadcast Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2024, 9:55–10:25 Program Summary: Junji Takada strolls through Isehara ▽ A treasure trove of fresh ingredients! Touring ranches in this agricultural belt close to the city ▽ Hugely popular as hometown tax return gifts! Exquisite hamburg steak ▽ Quiz face-off featuring classic car-shaped sweets *Photo: View from the lower shrine of Ōyama Afuri Shrine (This is not footage from the program) Be sure to record it so you don't miss the show! And please come experience Isehara—with its spectacular views, souvenirs, and gourmet offerings— see it with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, feel it on your skin, and enjoy visiting the filming locations!!

Japan's largest poppy field This is a poppy field in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. Famous as the largest poppy field in Japan, it has 12.5 hectares and 30 million poppies are in full bloom. It was started by local people. It has now become such a popular tourist destination that it is even organized on tours 🤤

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan's proud history? Is it traditional performing arts, historical buildings, or the food culture of Shomata Japan? Among them, I would like to recommend this "night view" Each building, big or small, has a history and a memory Buildings and houses are demolished due to the deterioration of buildings, and new buildings are constructed through the development of the city. Through such a history, the night view has changed The scenery you see now may change again in a few years I think it is no exaggeration to say that the "night view" where you can see such changes in history is also a history that Japan is proud of Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido New Three Great Night Views

The inside of the Tsusho hut at Tsukizaki Station that I visited before. The tools of the maintenance workers were on display. It was a space where you can feel the history ^^

The two of them slept 💤 together in the same pose

Spend a blissful time in the beautiful town, Kawazu Town When you visit surrounded by the nature of the sea and mountains, and the Accommodations in the town! The inn we will introduce this time is "Guest House 403". ・ It is a perfect inn for those who want to enjoy a trip easily. You can Use at a reasonable price with inn without meals. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot Name】Guest House 403 【Address】Yatsu, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 403, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-34-1223 Check-in/Check-out is 2:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m.　 [Total number of rooms] 4 【Pick-up/drop-off】No pick-up/drop-off 【Parking lot】2 cars

【Notice of Kiso Tour】June 7 Fri and 8 Sat, 2024 A tour with Tomoko Suzuki, a Popular manga artist known for "Zukudase TV" and "Zukudase TV" if you are a Shinshu person, will be held in Kiso! This time, he will liven up Kiso as the new leader of the Kiso support team. A tour where you can enjoy Kaida Highlands and Kiso town for 2 days and 1 night. The inn is a guest house with a view of the starry sky. Served at Kiso's Specialties, which can only be tasted at this time. On this tour, you can also visit Tomoko Suzuki's favorite Spot. Reservations are now being accepted, with a capacity of 15 people on a first-come, first-served basis! Visiting the site of Nagano Prefecture Pharmaceuticals, chartering a Pension, Visiting the sites, and other things that can only be done on this tour are packed! Reservations are accepted from the Home page of "Kiso Valley Trail".

Sky Tree dyed in the sunset This is Hirai Sports Park in Tokyo At this time of year, it is crowded with poppies 🤤 in full bloom This time, I layered poppies on the 📸 sunset You can 🤤 only see the collaboration with the world's best radio tower here

The landscape "Otaru Canal" Representative of Otaru. Along the gently curved 1,140-meter-long canal, stone warehouses and historic buildings are lined up, and no matter where you cut it, it will be picturesque Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy on this day, but it was a piece that made me feel a little nostalgic.

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and Please enjoy the exquisite gourmet of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Snack Kawanami". ・ Peace of mind like home We will continue to work hard to create a hot space that is familiar to our customers. The selling point is a beautiful and gentle mom. It will heal your tired heart! ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot Name】Snack Kawanami 【Address】Sasahara, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 222-2 Sasahara, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-34-0771 【Business hours】19:00~24:00 【Regular holiday】Not opens 【Parking lot】Yes

Poppy field dyed in the morning glow This is Kokaigawa Fureai Park in Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It seems that the best time to visit is from mid-May to early June every year. Poppies bloom on about 1.9 hectares of land. It was started by locals 20 years ago, and now many people visit to catch a glimpse.

It is the site of the former JNR Temiya Line near the Otaru Canal, and the cherry blossoms along the track are wonderful.

Lets discover the feudal lord era of Toyama. Toyama Castle situated in the center of Toyama City. It was actually built in 1543 by the local feudal lord Sassa Narimasa. Unfortunately, the castle keep was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and reconstructions, the latest in 1954. Today, the castle is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan’s feudal history.

Nice to meet you! This is the Otaki Tourist Association. Otaki Town in Isumi County, Chiba Prefecture, is a town of about 8,000 people located in the center of the Boso Peninsula. With convenient access about one and a half hours from Tokyo, Otaki Town charms many visitors with its natural beauty and rich history. In this first post, we will share Otaki’s attractions and recommended sightseeing spots, so please enjoy it to the end. ==History of Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== Prospering from the Sengoku period through the Edo period, Otaki flourished as the castle town of Otaki Castle, whose lord was Honda Tadakatsu, one of Tokugawa’s Four Heavenly Kings. Otaki Castle is known as a symbol of Otaki Town and captivates many history enthusiasts and tourists. Scenes that recall those days still remain throughout the town. ==Sightseeing in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== ◇Otaki Castle This historical museum with a tenshukaku-style keep was built in 1975 and is designated as a Chiba Prefecture historic site and included in the Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan. Exhibits cover the history of Boso and life in the castle town. Currently, Otaki Castle is closed for facility renovations. ◇Otaki Castle Town Otaki features old buildings, some designated cultural properties. You can find houses that offer a glimpse of life back then, along with shops and shrines, making it an irresistible spot for history lovers. Stroll through the castle town that retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere and feel the romance of a journey through time. ◇Yoro Valley This valley spans Ichihara City, Kimitsu City, Kamogawa City, and Otaki Town in Isumi County in southern Chiba Prefecture, offering seasonal natural beauty and especially famous autumn foliage. Nearby popular attractions include Awamata Waterfall, Suigetsu Temple, the Ruins of the Kobundo Tunnel, Mukoyama Kyoei Tunnel, and Kannon Bridge. Please note that due to flooding of the Yōrō River caused by Typhoon No. 13 in 2023, much of the area is currently closed except for some parts. ◇Asawahara Highlands Known as one of the Kanto region’s premier hydrangea spots, about 20,000 hydrangea plants bloom here. At an elevation of 340 meters, the flowers bloom later than on the plains, with the best viewing typically from late June to mid-July. ◇Isumi Railway This local railway runs about 26.8 kilometers, connecting Isumi City and Otaki Town, with seasonal flowers and rural landscapes along the line. In early spring, the rapeseed blossoms turn the fields bright yellow and the train is affectionately known as the Rapeseed Flower Train. ◇Roadside Station Takeyurano Sato Otaki Local fresh vegetables and specialty products are sold here, making it a great place to buy Boso souvenirs. At the diner you can try shiitake and Otaki’s specialty bamboo shoot dishes, as well as wild game such as boar. ==Local Festivals and Events in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== ◇Otaki Castle Festival Held every autumn, the festival features a warrior procession and various events. A popular local festival, 2024 marks its 50th edition. ==Local Specialties and Gourmet in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== Otaki bamboo shoots are among the leading products in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Their white color and exceptional tenderness earn them the name “white bamboo shoots.” They have very little bitterness, so they can be eaten without removing the astringency. Otaki bamboo shoots are also popular as a hometown tax return gift. ==Tourist Information for Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== Otaki Town in Chiba Prefecture charms visitors with its abundant nature and deep history. Spending time in Otaki away from daily life will create memorable moments. Cool Japan Video will continue to share Otaki’s recommendations and the latest information, so thank you for your support.

It's early summer!

#Milk during training

At an izakaya in Toyama. I don't need an explanation.

Carp streamers festival in Suzukawa As part of Suzukawa's environmental protection activities and the healthy development of children, each family had their unwanted Carp streamers swim, but when I see Carp streamers swimming energetically under the blue sky with Mt. Fuji in the background, I feel Spring every year.