I took an aerial shot with a drone. Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Metasequoia Namiki 2023/11 * Confirmed by the management office * Flight plan has been notified * Flight log book has been created * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit Obtained

Wrapped in the fresh greenery of summer This is located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture 　　　"Akebono Children's Forest Park" Summer and autumn are especially good times to see it, and it is lit up at night. When lit up, it is reflected in the pond in front of you, and it is truly a different world 🤤 Location: Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido. Kyowa-cho was formed in 1955 when Ozawa Village, Maeda Village, and Hattari Village merged. It borders five towns and one village, including Iwanai-cho and the Niseko Range. The town ranks among Hokkaido’s top producers of local brand fruits such as Raiden watermelons and Raiden melons. Kyowa-cho has long been a rice-producing area, growing varieties like Nanatsuboshi and Yumepirika. Since this is our first post, today we’ll share basic information and sightseeing highlights of Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido! Climate and weather in Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido: the average temperature in January is −3.4°C, and the average in August is 21.4°C, giving mild winters and comfortable summers. The population is 5,772 (surveyed in 2020). Surrounded by lush greenery, Kyowa-cho lets you enjoy nature through all four seasons. Popular sightseeing spots in Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido Niseko Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest Niseko Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest is a popular destination on a plateau above 750 m. Some trails are maintained, making trekking suitable even for beginners. Viewing alpine plants such as Mitsugashiwa is another highlight. The parking area also serves as the forest’s rest facility and includes toilets and a shop. From a nearby observatory you can take in views of the Iwanai Plain and the Sea of Japan. The area contains several marshes, so visitors can enjoy a marsh-walking tour. Please note that the area is closed to traffic during the winter season from late October through late April. Shinsennuma Shinsennuma is a marsh in the Niseko range famed for its otherworldly beauty. The name Shinsennuma became popular after Toyomatsu Shimoda, founder of the Boy Scouts in Japan, visited and described it as a place where gods and immortals would dwell. The marsh changes its expression with the seasons—autumn foliage and fresh green leaves—and blooms of Ezo-kanzoso and cotton grass make Shinsennuma a place you’ll want to revisit. Onuma Onuma lies at an elevation of 850 m, framed by Mt. Weisshorn, which spans Kutchancho and Kyowa-cho, and Nitonupuri, which lies between Kutchancho and Rankoshi-machi. The natural monuments Ezo salamanders and Japanese crayfish live here. Naganuma About 20 minutes from Shinsennuma, this gourd-shaped pond is a man-made lake with a stark landscape, also serving as a reservoir. Nishimura Keiyu Memorial Art Museum This museum focuses on the works of Keio Nishimura, a Western-style painter from Kyowa-cho, and houses about 5,500 pieces, with roughly 100 on display at any time. After World War II Nishimura moved to France, where Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, Picasso’s dealer, discovered him; Nishimura based his career in Paris and received honors such as France’s Order of Arts and Letters. The museum rotates its exhibits about four times a year, letting visitors enjoy a variety of works. The museum also offers regular programs to enjoy art, and the views from the museum are a draw in themselves. Kakashi Furusato Kan Kakashi Furusato Kan was built to pass on the agricultural lifestyle and the pioneering history of Kyowa-cho to future generations. Inside, farming tools and household items are on display. The adjacent Former Horonai Elementary School has been restored and repurposed as an exhibition space, preserving the atmosphere of the original building as a historic structure. Kyowa Scarecrow Festival Held from mid- to late August, the Kyowa Scarecrow Festival lines the town with unique scarecrows. The festival features attractions such as a scarecrow contest, a music stage, character shows, and a local produce market. (Events as of August 2023) Kyowa-cho hometown tax gifts Local specialties from Kyowa-cho are available through the hometown tax donation program. Particularly popular return gifts include Hokkaido Crelle Camembert cheese, Sanda Farm’s special ice cream, Raiden melon, and Raiden watermelon. We’ll deliver these signature items to your home. Please check each hometown tax donation site for details. Kyowa-cho offers a range of accommodations, including hot springs and minpaku guesthouses. On the official Kyowa-cho town office website you can download a tourism pamphlet that presents themed model routes. A roadside station is scheduled to open in 2027. We will continue to showcase the charms of Kyowa-cho, Hokkaido on Cool Japan Video. Thank you for your support!

Togengo 🍑 in Japan This is "Flower Peach Village" in Nagano Prefecture Every year, from late April to early May, it is in full bloom. This is the best place in Japan! If you go up the slope for about 15 minutes, you will 😆 be waiting for a superb view that will blow away your fatigue Location: Nagano

Hello everyone, this is the Mashu Lake Tourism Association. In Teshikaga, located in the heart of eastern Hokkaido, the autumn foliage season has ended and the air has turned cold, hinting that winter is about to begin. This time, we bring you Wakoto Peninsula just before winter arrives♪ A roughly 20-minute drive northwest from JR Mashu Station brings you to Wakoto Peninsula, which sits before Lake Kussharo. Under a clear, crisp sky, Wakoto Peninsula lies calm and still. Visiting Wakoto in autumn offers a deeply atmospheric and picturesque experience. Hot springs bubble up across the peninsula, letting you enjoy open-air baths fed by 100% natural thermal water. Please come and visit Wakoto Peninsula this autumn!

Tonegawa Fireworks Festival 🎆 This event is held every year in Chiba Prefecture 　　　　　　　"Tonegawa Fireworks Festival" This time, with the castle involved 📸 Corona has also opened and will resume 😆 this year Location: Chiba

It is the autumn leaves of Lake Okutama. The contrast between green and orange is beautiful.

Nikko, the autumn leaves of Lake Chuzenji. It is also reflected on the surface of the lake and has a very transparent feeling. It was a beautiful sight.

The Retrospective Bridge 🍁 illuminated by the sunrise This is the "Retrospective Bridge" in Miyagi Prefecture This bridge, which crosses the Naruko Gorge, can be seen from the observation deck as if it is wrapped in autumn leaves. In summer, fresh greenery. In autumn, the autumn leaves and the best time to see them all 😆 year round Location: Miyagi

I took this photo on the Madama Coast in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. I also learned that you can't see such a scene unless you go at low tide. I have relatives, so I'm thinking of going again. The beach I saw for the first time was very beautiful.

SAMURAI quenches his thirst with spring water at Samurai Road during his trip. 旅の途中サムライロードにて、湧き水で喉の乾きを癒やすSAMURAI

Otaguro Park Light Up 🍁 This one is located in Suginami Ward, Tokyo 　　　　　　　　　"Otaguro Park". It reaches its peak around the end of November every year. Inside, if you google the very wide gate, you will be greeted by a large ginkgo tree. Best time to see: Late November to early December Location: Suginami-ku, Tokyo

Five-storied 🌸 pagoda with drooping cherry blossoms This is "Sensoji Temple" in Tokyo The drooping cherry blossoms are in full bloom around the end of March every year. Since only one tree grows, the area is crowded with many people. The illumination at night is also worth 💪 seeing Best time to see: Late March to early April Location: Tokyo

The final boss appears This one is located in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 　　　　　　　　　　"Sendai Grand Kannon" It is 100 meters long, and its power is tremendous even from the city! It seems that they are currently recoloring, so please 😊 visit Location: Sendai City

It's too late now, but it's Tsuyagawa Higanhana 😅 Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO 26mm 2023/10/7 Tsuyagawa, Kaizu City, Gifu

Notice of the 1st Tsubetsu Photo Contest To rediscover the charms of Tsubetsu Town, we are pleased to announce the launch of the “1st Tsubetsu Photo Contest.” Please share the photos you have taken that are full of Tsubetsu’s attractions. The grand prize winner will receive 20,000 yen worth of Tsubetsu wagyu! When entering, please be sure to send a printed copy of each submission. The entry deadline is valid if postmarked on Thursday, February 15, 2024. For details, please see the attached flyer image or the association’s website. For questions, contact NPO Tsubetsu Tourism Association at 0152-77-3771. Although the submission period is relatively short, there is no restriction on when photos were taken, so previously shot works are very welcome. As this is the inaugural event starting from zero recognition, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share this announcement to help spread the word! Above all, we look forward to receiving many entries!

Nostalgic old school building and ginkgo 🍁 This is "Kakumaru Elementary School" in Fukushima Prefecture The old school building is now a facility where you can experience local specialty ingredients and other products. The ginkgo tree is also intertwined with the old school building to give 🤭 it a good taste Best time to see: Late October to early November Location: Fukushima

Sky Tree🌸 wrapped in cherry blossoms This is Japan's representative radio tower "Tokyo Sky Tree" in Tokyo Entwined 📸 with the cherry blossoms growing directly below There are only a few trees, so it is 😅 crowded with people Best time to see: Late March to early April Location: Tokyo

Nagahama Beach, Nago City, Okinawa I came to this sea that I found by chance 5 years ago, and there are many beautiful seas in Okinawa, but it is a quiet beach with few tourists and few people.

Rows of cherry blossom trees and rape blossoms 🌸📸 This is a row of cherry blossom trees in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture Are. It blooms profusely in March every year along several kilometers of banks. The stalls were also crowded with stalls. Personally, I think 😆 it is one of the two major cherry blossom trees in Saitama Prefecture Best time to see: Late March to early April Location: Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture

Title: Morning on Golden Scale Lake Location: Yufuin, Oita Prefecture

With 📸 rape flowers and peach trees This was a good feeling with peach trees and rape blossoms, so I took a picture. I think it became one piece that makes you feel the arrival of spring. 😄 Best time to see: Mid-April to May Location: Nagano

Rows of cherry blossom trees reflecting on the surface of the water This is a row of cherry blossom trees in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture It is in full bloom in March every year, and it is lit up at night. Above all, the reflection with the surface of the water gives you a truly different view of the 😄 world Best time to see: Late March to early April Location: Kawagoe City, Saitama

Sensoji Temple and Drooping Cherry Blossoms 🌸 This is "Sensoji Temple" in Tokyo Speaking of historic temples and sightseeing spots in Tokyo, this is the place! In spring, the drooping cherry blossoms and the gate will tell you that spring has arrived. I can't 😄 wait for the next spring Best time to see: Late March to early April Location: Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

Goshikinuma 🌿 surrounded by fresh greenery This is "Goshikinuma" in Fukushima Prefecture I visited during the fresh green season and photographed the blue maple and the five-color swamp. The rowboat has a good taste 😆 again Best time to see: Spring to summer Location: Fukushima

Nature of Hokkaido

[Samukawa Town] We will hold the season’s final “Winter Sunflower Picking Experience” (Notice) We will hold the season’s final “Winter Sunflower Picking Experience” (Notice) The main event of “Samukawa Winter Sunflowers,” the Picking Experience, will be held on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19. In a field of early-winter sunflowers with more than 60,000 blooms, you can leisurely enjoy picking flowers. We planned this so many visitors can feel Samukawa Town’s gentle early winter through the Winter Sunflower Picking Experience, and so the sunflowers you pick will softly brighten your home. —“Samukawa Winter Sunflowers” Picking Experience, Second Session— *Due to various circumstances, the event may change or be canceled without prior notice. *For details and the latest information, please check the Samukawa Town Tourism Association website. Date and Time: Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, 2023, 10:00–14:00 *Canceled in case of rain *Each day ends when the day’s pickable flowers are gone Venue: Samukawa Sunflower Field Address → near 3922-5 Miyama, Samukawa Town See map on reverse Fee: Picking experience 5 stems for 100 yen *Visitors who only observe are free Contact: Samukawa Town Tourism Association *Hours: 9:30–18:00 Closed Wednesdays Phone: 0467-75-9051

Looking at the 🌸 cherry blossoms at night This is a temple in Shiki City, Saitama Prefecture. It is a temple where cherry blossoms are very famous at night, and it is also a favorite spot. The cherry blossoms are very beautiful at night, so please 😆 visit Best time to see: Late March to early April Location: Shiki City, Saitama

Large horse mackerel fly and autumn foliage 🐟🍁 This is "Yutaki" in Nikko City The view from below is just like 😆 a horse mackerel fly It was hard to get it into the angle of view. Best time to see: Mid to late October Location: Yutaki, Nikko

Through 🍁 the Metasequoia Tunnel Located in Hanno City 　　　　　"Akebono Children's Forest Park" It is lined with metasequoia trees and shines golden yellow in autumn. It is lit up at night, so be sure to visit it. 😄 Best time to see: mid to late November Location: Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture