Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign

Believe it or not, this is the ninth year! The Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign is back! Twelve ryokan and hotels belonging to the inn association offer carefully selected premium plans at great savings!!!

★ Great deals on stays
1. As a return gift for Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) from Suwa City, accommodation vouchers usable at Kami‑Suwa Onsen ryokan and hotels (from ¥10,000) have been set up, so please make a smart tax donation via your preferred travel site this winter and enjoy the savings.

2. A drive plan from NEXCO Central Japan called Hayatabi bundles a ¥10,000 universal accommodation voucher with roughly 50% off highway tolls. You can apply via the NEXCO Central Japan website.
Product name: Kami‑Suwa Onsen Drive Plan with Universal Accommodation Voucher

★ Guests who stay during the campaign period will be entered into a prize draw
Prize A: Accommodation subsidy voucher worth ¥10,000 usable at Kami‑Suwa Onsen【50 winners】
*Delivered as two ¥5,000 vouchers Valid through January 31, 2026 (planned)

Prize B: Admission tickets to the Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival on August 15, 2025【15 pairs, 30 people】
*Seating planned in front of the Suwa Lake Geyser Center

We hope this campaign encourages you to favor Kami‑Suwa Onsen! The onsen’s warm feeling after bathing really lasts!!! (A foodie, Kasai, speaking personally...) Refresh yourself in Suwa to shake off the fatigue of 2024 and start 2025 happily and energetically♨

Kasai the Foodie’s Recommended Winter Sightseeing Course
・Taste tour of the five Suwa breweries ⇒ Stay at Kami‑Suwa Onsen ⇒ New Year’s visit to Suwa Taisha ⇒ Suwa region’s midwinter eel tradition

★ Official Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign Website

https://kamisuwa-onsen.com

More details are available there, so please check it out!

On New Year's Day, I tend to fall asleep immediately after eating, but ...
… Isn't it too early yet?

Here’s tourist information for Nagiso town!

📍 Kakizore Valley (Kakizore Keikoku)

Among the many gorges along the Kiso Road, this one is said to be especially beautiful. Massive granite boulders that fill the deep valley create stunning waterfalls, rapids, and pools.
The water’s beautiful emerald green never becomes muddy, even after rain.
In spring you can enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant colors.✨

Generally, visitors start from JR Junikane Station and follow a nature trail for 4.5 km to Ushigataki Falls, then continue farther along a forest road. For a short walk, the roughly 300 m promenade from Koiji Suspension Bridge to Ushigataki is recommended. The view of Ushigataki, where the main flow of the Kakizore River plunges through carved granite, is spectacular.
A 40-minute walk along the forest road brings you to viewpoints with refreshing views of Kirigataki, and you can also see Nijiga Falls and Kaminari Falls.

We ask for your cooperation with a maintenance contribution.
Please deposit it in the brown post box located at the entrance to Kakizore Valley.

Access
- By car: about 10 minutes from National Route 19 at the "Kakizore Valley Entrance" signal. Two free parking lots available.
- By JR: Get off at JR Nagiso Station and take a taxi for about 25 minutes.
Get off at JR Junikane Station and walk about 1 hour (taxis are not regularly available).

Other information
- Flush toilets are available at each parking area.
- Vending machines are located near the parking areas.
- You can download a brochure (map) from the Nagiso Town Tourism Association official website "Burari Nagiso."

Requests
- Camping, barbecues, and similar activities are prohibited within Kakizore Valley.
- Please take your trash home with you.
- Do not approach the river during rain or when water levels are high.
- If you play in the river, please take every safety precaution and enjoy responsibly.

The 3rd Hosono Highlands Yamayaki Experience

🏔 What Hosono Highlands Is Like 🏔
Hosono Highlands spreads across the slopes of Mt. Amagi, which erupted between 800,000 and 200,000 years ago. The plateau covers about 125 hectares—roughly the size of 26 Tokyo Domes—and offers a majestic expanse of grassland. It is said to be a treasure trove of flora and fauna nurtured by volcanic terrain.
In spring, you can forage for mountain vegetables such as bracken amid fresh greenery. In autumn, vast stands of golden susuki (silver grass) create a spectacular display. From the summit you can see Sagami Bay and the Izu Islands, where meadow and seascape combine into a unique panorama.

Inatori Hosono Highlands has been recognized among the 100 Grassland Villages We Want to Preserve for the Future for the value of local knowledge, awareness, and skills accumulated through long interaction between people and nature.
Hosono Highlands conducts an annual yamayaki (controlled burn) to maintain the grassland. During walks you can observe grass-cutting work performed in preparation for the burn.
⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰
🔥⛰ What “Yamayaki” Means ⛰🔥

Yamayaki is an essential annual practice to keep Hosono Highlands as open grassland.
By burning overgrown grasses and shrubs, the area is prevented from turning into forest, and the burned vegetation returns nutrients to the soil to sustain a rich grassland.

This yamayaki has continued every year at Hosono Highlands since the Edo period.

Because the plateau borders neighboring Kawazu Town, preventing fire from spreading across boundaries is critical, and the work must address elevation changes and steep slopes, so seasoned experience and

advanced fire-management know-how are required.
⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰ ⋱⋰

● Event Overview

Yamayaki is an activity necessary to keep Hosono Highlands as grassland and has continued annually since the Edo period.
As a first trial in February 2023, we opened the yamayaki on a very limited basis and offered it as a guided tour for observation.
To help more people learn about this tradition in greater depth, we will hold the Yamayaki Experience again in 2025.
Please come and witness the overwhelming sight of the landscape ablaze.

● Event Schedule — Saturday, February 8, 2025
Date and time: Saturday, 2/8, 10:30–15:30 (scheduled)
10:30: Assemble and register at Inatori Hosono Highlands Parking Lot No. 2
11:00: Yamayaki viewing (guided yamayaki explanation, lunch provided)
14:00: Post-yamayaki walk (guided)
15:30: End of program and dismissal (Program order may change depending on yamayaki progress; please understand in advance.)
Meeting/registration location: Inatori Hosono Highlands Parking Lot No. 2 (parking spaces available)
➡ On the day of the yamayaki, general vehicles are not allowed into Parking Lot No. 1. Please park at the foothill Parking Lot No. 2.
There is no public transportation to the venue. Please use your own means of transport to access the site.

Participation Conditions
・Capacity is limited to 30 participants.
・Participants who are junior high school age or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
・Please apply only if you fully understand the safety notes and on-site hazards.

Participation Fee
3,500 yen per person. Includes admission, consumption tax, local guide, lunch, insurance, and grassland management fee (1,000 yen).
※The participation fee is payable on site on the day of the event.
※We will contact you by email in advance and on the day about the event. Please note you cannot apply without an email address.

How to Apply
Please apply by entering the required information on the Higashiizu Town Tourist Association event page.
https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=568220&cat=23649&pageno=3&type=spot
Or call the Higashiizu Tourist Association (TEL: 0557-95-0700) to register by phone.

● Notes and Precautions
About Participation in Work
This event is for observing the yamayaki. You may not take part in fire-starting or other operational tasks.
Cancellation Decisions
Yamayaki may be canceled on the morning of the event due to weather conditions (wind, humidity, rain, etc.). If yamayaki is canceled, this event will also be canceled. There are no substitute events. Please register only if you accept these cancellation conditions.
What to Wear on the Day
Yamayaki is a very dangerous operation, and flying embers or smoldering debris may be present.
Please wear flame-resistant clothing with minimal exposed skin.
All activities at the site are outdoors, so please prepare for cold weather.
Guide Language
Guidance is provided in Japanese only. Thank you for your understanding.

Cancellation Policy
If the event is canceled or you cancel, we will charge cancellation fees as follows.

If yamayaki itself is canceled due to severe weather (strong wind, dry conditions, rain, etc.), no payment will be charged.
If you cancel for personal reasons:
・Cancellation on the day or the day before → 100% of the event fee will be charged.
・Cancellation two days or more before → 0% cancellation fee.
・No-show without notice → 100% of the event fee will be charged.
*We may also claim actual communication costs or other damages where applicable.
For cancellations due to unavoidable events such as disasters, please contact the organizer.

If the organizer cancels for reasons other than weather, we will consult with participants and refund an appropriate amount.


Items to Bring
・Flame-resistant (fire-retardant) and warm clothing
・Clothes you don’t mind getting stained by sparks or soot
・Well-broken-in shoes
https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=568220&cat=23649&pageno=3&type=spot

About the business hours of the Takaharucho Tourism Association during the year-end and New Year holidays!

Takaharucho Tourism Association / Station Citing City (shop)
December 31 2025 (Reiwa 7) January 3

Vacation without permission.

Little by little...
In Daffodil Land, it has finally bloomed to the point where several flowers can be captured in one photo~.

As expected, it is a prefectural flower that represents the people of Fukui Prefecture.
The sight of flowers blooming even in the cold that makes your body shrink will give you energy!

If it looks like this, the Best time to visit will be in the middle Squid January, right?
Best time to visit the daffodil festival "Narcissus "Crab Fair" Held in on January 11 (Sat) and 12 (Sun)!

If you see daffodils in bloom, please upload them on social media!

◎ Echizen daffodil flowering status [Updated on Friday, December 27, 2024]
https://www.town-echizen.jp/news/detail.php?id=637

[Notice on the Use of Public Toilets at Mount Oyama Summit
& Oyama Sando Map] 2024–2025
The public toilets at Mount Oyama Summit may be temporarily unavailable due to freezing. Please use the toilets in advance. Check the map of the approach for restroom locations.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4
Take the bus bound for “Oyama Cable” for about 30 minutes
Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along the Koma approach to the cable car station

【Diamond Fuji traffic restrictions 🥰】

In the Takashita area of Fujikawa Town, the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Fuji
It is a Spot where you can peek in.

December 31, from 11 p.m.
Until 9 a.m. on January 1

Implementation of traffic restrictions.

On New Year's Day, it is expected to be very crowded.
Please be careful.

Photographed 10/20/24.
It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival.
In front of Kawagoe City Hall, it is a festival float of Nasori in Nandori Towns.

In Hinomotoichi's Calligraphy Trial Plan, students do not pick up a brush and start writing immediately after the lesson begins. 

Instead, we begin by explaining about the culture of calligraphy and the history of calligraphy in Japan.

This is because it helps them to better understand the difference between Japanese calligraphy and caligraphy, which is a form of character decoration that also exists in other countries, and to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese language.

#calligraphy #kanji #shodo

Photographed 10/20/24.
It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival.
In front of Kawagoe City Hall, it is a festival float of Yorimitsu in Mikubo Town.
Actually, there are still many photos of the Kawagoe Festival.

The reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is

"The beauty of the Japanese language.

I often hear that the reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "the beauty of the Japanese language.

Using the calligraphy skills learned through the calligraphy experience, students write their favorite kanji characters on fans and hanging scrolls of their choice.

The master calligrapher will then take the kanji back to your bag with his expert brush strokes.

Since each kanji character has multiple meanings, it is important to know what other meanings they have. Knowing the meaning will make the bag shine.

#brush #kanji #shodo #travelmemories #culturalexperience

Gourmet information for Bungoono City in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu✨

[Funny Days Burger＆Sand]
Funny Days Burger＆Sand is a hamburger shop in Miecho, Bungoono City.
From December 2024, the Asaji Beef Menchi Katsu Burger debuts.
The menchi katsu made with 100% Asaji beef is generously sized.
It’s juicy, incredibly tender, and surprisingly delicious.

[Funny Days Burger＆sand]
▼A burger shop using handmade buns and patties
[Location] 878 Uchida, Miecho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (inside Eightpia Oono)
Sold at [Share Shop Sumika]
Parking: Available (on the Eightpia Oono grounds)
[Hours] Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–15:00 (last order 14:30)
[Closed] Monday and Wednesday (occasional irregular closures)

■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■
About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture
About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture

■■■■■■■■■■■■
On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇
Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii
We’d be happy if you follow us.
You can access the Bungoono City Tourism Association website from the profile link.
■■■■■■■■■■■■

Tateyama Mountain Ranges seen from the Ameharu Coast 2023.12.09

The Oniwa and Tateyama mountain ranges over the sea are truly superb Spots.
The view of mountains with an Elevation of 3,000 meters across the sea is a superb view that is difficult to see in the world.

A scenic spot related to Manyo, Ameharu Coast.
The poet of Manyo, Oban Iemochi, loved this rainy landscape and sang many songs. The beautiful scenery is the same now as it was in the past, and the magnificent view of the reef seen from the beach and the 3,000m-class Tateyama mountain ranges seen over Toyama Bay is exceptional. It's breathtaking.

"Yoshitsune Rock", where Minamoto Yoshitsune waited for the rain to clear on his way to Oshu, is also the origin of the place name "Ameharu". (From Toyama's website)

Hello 👋😃 This is Crystal Sound 👀 With just a little of this year left, we pray that next year will be a good one for everyone.

In Shosenkyo Gorge there is Kanazakura Shrine, famous as the birthplace of crystal in Japan. Many visitors come to pray there at New Year as a lucky spot for financial fortune, so why not pay a visit yourself.

There are many shops nearby selling crystals, so come and drop by✨
At Crystal Sound we carry lots of beautiful jewelry and crystals🫠
We have also received carved snakes for next year’s zodiac, so please come and take a look✨

All of our staff look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

Spectacular winter views you can only see in winter
The Limited Express Azusa that ran from Tokyo and the Northern Alps
Heading north from Hotaka Station toward the snowy country
A panoramic view of the Hakuba mountains seen from Azumino!

[Year-end and New Year Business Hours Notice] 2024
Located midway up the stairs at the north exit of OdakyuLine Isehara Station, the station-side Kururin House and Isehara Station Tourist Information Center are open year-round!

We carry Isehara souvenirs and Kururin goods♪
*Kururin Plush Sale*
Until Monday, January 15, 2025
★1,800 yen (tax included) → 1,500 yen (tax included)

Take this chance to get your Kururin✨!
We look forward to seeing you.

Station-side Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information Center)
OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)
*Shortened hours from January 1 to January 3: 10:00–15:00*
https://isehara-kanko.com/shop-kururinhouse/

We sincerely apologize for previously providing the wrong TV broadcast date. The relevant article has been removed.
Please check the broadcast schedule for Hokkaido Television Broadcasting (HTB) program “Machin no on-chan” in the image for confirmation.

The second broadcast is now scheduled for Thursday, January 9 of the new year.
What was originally planned as a five-week run has been extended to seven weeks!
From the start of the new year through mid-February, on-chan will be walking all around Tsubetsu Town!
Please be sure to watch! (o▽n)

By the way, the first episode is available on YouTube. Please search for “Machin no on-chan.”

Hello everyone ⛄️
Christmas is over, and the year-end and New Year season has finally arrived 🎍
In Shinanomachi, snow is forecast from tomorrow onward, and snow removal has become daily exercise ⛄️💦
Now, here is an announcement about business hours during the year-end and New Year holidays!
⛄️ Shinanomachi Tourist Information Center · Roadside Station Information Center
We will be closed from December 30th to January 3rd 🙇‍♀️
(For taxi vouchers, please speak to the station staff at Kurohime Station)
🍜 Near Kurohime Station
We will be closed from December 31st to January 2nd 🙇‍♀️
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
We wish you a wonderful year-end and New Year! 🎍

Yesterday, Wednesday, December 25, the standard Atami cherry tree along the Itokawa Promenade was confirmed to be in bloom!
Some trees began blooming in mid-December, but the standard tree has finally opened.

This Atami cherry is a variety of the cold-loving Kanzakura cherry, native to India, that typically blooms from early January through February. Around 1871, an Italian introduced it, along with lemon and date palm, to Atami. It was named “Atami sakura” during the 1965 Flower-Filled Movement, and on April 10, 1977 (the city’s 40th anniversary), it was designated as Atami City’s official tree.
Because the same branch can form early-blooming and later-blooming buds in two stages, the blossoms can usually be enjoyed for more than a month each year.

The Cherry Blossom Festival opens after the New Year together with the Plum Festival!
During the cherry blossom festival, you can expect nighttime illumination, servings of cherry blossom tea and green tea, street performances, sword dances, and band performances—so please come see the blossoms.

The 15th Atami Sakura Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival runs Saturday, January 11 through Sunday, February 9, 2025.
https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/208

Regarding bloom updates, we will post them on the page above as soon as the city hall survey materials arrive, so please refer to that information.

The auction of the last Echizen Snow Crab of 2024 has begun!

Even in the rain and wind, they will be auctioned off one after another in a lively auction! 🦀

This is the end of this season's fishing for female Seiko crabs.
It will be available as long as it is available, so please purchase and Meals as soon as possible!

Fun for the first auction of the new year after the beginning of 2025! !️

◎ Restaurant serving the Popular "Echizen Seiko Crab Bowl" is here
➡https://www.town-echizen.jp/news/detail.php?id=353

I took a picture of my son and wife playing in the snow at the Saiko Healing Village in Kawaguchiko Towns.

[Notice]
Year-end and New Year business hours for Roadside Station Iwanai

Dec 28 (Sat) 9:00–17:00
Dec 29 (Sun) 9:00–17:00
Dec 30 (Mon) Closed
Dec 31 (Tue)–Jan 3 (Fri) Closed for the Year-end and New Year holidays
Jan 4 (Sat) 9:00–17:00

That is the schedule 😊
Thank you.

Also, Jan 6 (Mon) will be a closed day.
Please be careful not to mistake the dates.

Photographed 12/23/24.
It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

【Cherry blossom planting experience 🥰 at Oboshi Park】

At Oboshi Park, one of the 100 best famous landmarks in Japan
Using Furusato Nozei Tax Payment to Plant Cherry Blossoms
I can.

The cherry blossom tree planting experience is the Sakura Festival in late March of 2025 (Reiwa 7)
It is scheduled to be held on one of the Saturdays and Sundays during the period.

As a memento of the experience, engrave your name on the plate.

Kitakirishima Photo Contest is held in! !️

Application period: 2024/12/11〜2025/2/21
How to apply: Instagram only.
There is Thereare how to apply, so please check the details!

[Grand Prize] 1 person
◯Assortment of Kitakirishima Specialty products (worth 20,000 yen)
◯ Poster production

[Excellence Award] 3 people
(1) Kobayashi Prize (equivalent to 10,000 yen)
(2) Ebino City Prize (equivalent to 10,000 yen)
(3) Highlands Prize (equivalent to 10,000 yen)
◯ Poster production

【Prize】10 people
◯ Poster production
* Posters will be displayed at the Tourist Association.
For details such as application requirements, please check the following website.

◯Home page
https://kobayashi-machi.com/16056

【Contact】
Kita-Kirishima Regional Tourism Promotion Council
Kobayashi Town Planning Co., Ltd. Tourist Information Center
Phone 0984-22-8684
#Photo Contest #Miyazaki Prefecture #Kobayashi City #Ebino City #Takaharu #Kobayashi Town planning Co., Ltd. #Takaharucho Tourism Association #Photo #Miyakonojo City #Free entry #Scenery #Scenery #Photography #Kita-Kirishima Regional Tourism Promotion Council 😁

Learn about Japanese food culture!
Nationwide smartphone stamp rally across Japan 🗾 2024
To promote Japan’s food culture, we are holding a nationwide smartphone stamp rally that takes you to related sites featuring “100-year foods” and food culture museums across the country.
In Isehara✨ you can currently collect stamps at the two locations below!
* Otsuya Kyarabuki Honpo
(Oyama Koma Sando: 618 Oyama, Isehara, Kanagawa)
URL https://kyarabuki.com/
* Eki-naka Kururin House / Isehara Station Tourist Information Center
(On the stairs at the north exit of OdakyuLine Isehara Station)
URL https://isehara-kanko.com/

Participants will be entered in a drawing to win prizes related to 100-year foods and food culture museums.🎁
Bring your family, come with friends, or join solo—everyone is welcome♪
================================
Event period: until Friday, January 31, 2025
For details and to participate
Click here ▶ https://foodculture2021.go.jp/stamprally/

【2025 Kisoji Ice and Snow Light Festival】
This year Kisoji ice and snow lights will be Held in again Festival.
From January 25th ~ February 15th, ice candles and bamboo lanterns will be lit at Shukuba in Kisoji. Events of several hours once a year. Fun a fantastic world that is different from usual.

♦1/25 (Sat) Kiso Town Miyanokoshi
♦2/2 (Sun) Shiojiri City Niekawa Juku
♦2/3 (Mon) Shiojiri City Narai juku
♦2/7 (Fri)-8 (Sat) Kiso Town Fukushima juku
♦2/8 (Sat) Nakatsugawa City Magome juku
♦2/9 (Sun) Agematsu Town Nezame-no-Toko, Okuwa Village Sports Park
♦2/18 (Sat) Nagiso Town Tsumago juku

And Held in a photo contest again this year! The winning works will be used for posters, flyers, web advertisements, etc. for the next year.
【For those who apply on Instagram】Account of the Kiso Tourism Federation (@kiso_japan_official
) > #kisoji_hyosetsu_2025 Don't forget to tag them!
【Apply by sending photos】Please send 4 color prints or A4 size (4 slices wide are also acceptable) to the Kiso Tourism Federation.
Period: 2025/2/1~2/28 (must arrive by this date)

For details, please check the Home page "Kiso Valley Rippu".

We have 😊 received many applications

Photographed 12/23/24.
It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Hello everyone! This is Teshikagacho in Eastern Hokkaido.
Winters in Teshikagacho can plunge below −20°C, making it a harsh, frigid place.
Yet that cold creates crisp air and reveals breathtaking landscapes.
In the early morning, moisture in the air clings to trees and forms frost-covered branches, while the night sky fills with countless stars.
Warm up and soothe your chilled body at Kawayu Onsen.