#019 Long time no post! This time, I will introduce two municipalities connected to Tsunocho. I will touch on how those relationships came about, each town’s characteristics, recommended spots, and local foods. [Sister City – Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture] Itoman City sits at the southern tip of Okinawa Main Island. Its population is about 60,000. The city tree is the banyan (gajumaru), and the city flowers are periwinkle (nichi-nichi-so) and bougainvillea. Tsunocho’s bond with Itoman City deepened during wartime (after 1944), when 82 parents and children from Itoman Town (now Itoman City) were evacuated as a group to Tsunocho. Forty years later, people who had been elementary school students at the time visited Tsunocho, which sparked further exchanges, and on December 1, 1993, Itoman City and Tsunocho concluded a sister-city agreement. Exchanges between various organizations continue to this day. [Specialties of Itoman City] ⦿ Seiika (common name: Sodeika) This squid is widely caught around Okinawa Prefecture and ranks among the largest edible squids, reaching about one meter in length and around 20 kilograms in weight. Its texture is pleasantly chewy, and it is used for sashimi as well as fried dishes. ⦿ ITOMAN / S craft beer This happoshu (low-malt beer) features label art meant to match fish dishes and luxuriously uses fruits produced in Itoman. The lineup includes Taman, a salt-lemon beer with fruity flavor and a sharp finish; Akamachi, a tropical beer with rich aroma and bitterness; and Irabucha, a spice beer that balances spiciness with citrus freshness. [Places to Visit in Itoman City] ⦿ Himeyuri Peace Museum Opened on June 23, 1989, the museum preserves the horrors of war and the importance of peace for future generations. Exhibits include belongings of the Himeyuri students, photographs, survivor testimony videos, and dioramas recreating part of the Nanjo army hospital cave and the interior of the Ihara Third Surgical Cave. Many visitors still come to offer prayers for peace. Postal code 901-0344 671-1 Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture ⦿ Roadside Station Itoman The seventh roadside station in Okinawa Prefecture and one of the largest in the prefecture. The site houses the Itoman City Product Center, a farmers’ market, the Itoman Fishing Cooperative Fish Center, and the Itoman City Tourism Association, bringing together sea and mountain specialties from Itoman. Shoppers from across the prefecture flock here for fresh vegetables and seafood from Itoman. Recommended for food lovers. Postal code 901-0306 4-19-1 Nishizaki, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture [Why Itoman Is Great] In February this year I visited Itoman for the first time as part of an exchange program. What struck me was the warmth of the people. Even strangers felt easy to talk to with no barriers. At the Itoman fair, people knew Tsunocho as if it were natural, and sometimes used dialects so strong I couldn’t fully understand them — yet even that felt warm. During the three-day visit we had welcome parties every night. I had worried about that beforehand, but those worries turned out to be unnecessary. The people of Itoman treated us without formality, offered hospitality, and showed a communal spirit and warmth I had not experienced in Miyazaki, making me want to return. [Friendship City – Saromacho, Hokkaido] Saromacho lies almost at the center of the Okhotsk General Subprefecture and faces Lake Saroma to the north. Its total population is about 4,600. The town tree is the large-leaved linden (Oobabodaiyu) and the town flower is the Ezo-murasaki azalea. Tsunocho and Saromacho began exchanges in 1993 through ties created by Toyo Tire test courses located to the south and north, and various organizations, including chambers of commerce, have deepened friendship through events and booths. In June 2014 they formally concluded an economic exchange partnership, and today each town’s roadside stations sell the other’s specialties. Especially popular is Saromacho’s young scallops, sold at Roadside Station Tsuno — they sell out almost immediately after restocking. [Specialties of Saromacho] ⦿ Scallops from Lake Saroma Scallops harvested in Saromacho, which has Hokkaido’s largest Lake Saroma, have firm flesh, a pleasant texture, and sweetness. As the birthplace of scallop aquaculture in Hokkaido, Lake Saroma scallops grow large and are shipped for raw consumption as shell-on scallops or raw adductor muscle. Processing facilities also make smoked oil–marinated scallops and dried adductor products, which are exported worldwide. These large, delicious scallops even converted me from someone who couldn’t eat scallops to someone who can! ⦿ Pumpkins Pumpkins are rich in vitamins, highly nutritious, and popular as a low-allergen food. At the JA Saroma pumpkin processing plant, pumpkins collected from growers are stored and sorted into fresh produce, winter-solstice pumpkins, and decorative pumpkins for Halloween. They also produce powdered, flaked, and frozen pumpkin paste as processed products. Decorative pumpkins are several times larger than ordinary pumpkins and turn orange through ripening rather than staying green. Their products contain no additives and are used even for baby weaning foods, making them popular as safe, versatile items. [Places to Visit in Saromacho] ⦿ Lake Saroma Observatory Horoiwa Mountain, at 376 meters, sits nearly at the center of Lake Saroma’s coastline. Because no tall mountains surround it, the view from here is outstanding. The Lake Saroma Observatory near the summit is the only place from which you can see the entire lake. You can see the sandbar separating the lake and the sea, the Sea of Okhotsk in the distance, and even the Shiretoko Mountains on the horizon. Enjoy this vast panorama that you can see only here. Postal code 093-0421 Naniwa, Saromacho, Tokoro District, Hokkaido ⦿ Roadside Station Saroma Lake and Bussankan Minori Along Japan National Route 238 facing Lake Saroma, you’ll find the roadside station and product center. The building is designed to evoke the town’s core dairy industry with imagery of a cowshed and a silo. The facility offers rest spaces for tourists and drivers and serves as a gateway for visitors to Lake Saroma. The product center sells local specialties and processed goods such as scallops and pumpkins from Saromacho, making it a hub for souvenirs from eastern Hokkaido. Shipping nationwide is available. The soft-serve ice cream made from local pumpkins is reportedly the shop’s most popular item. Postal code 093-0421 121-3 Naniwa, Saromacho, Tokoro District, Hokkaido [Why Saroma Is Great] First, Saroma’s great natural environment. I went to Hokkaido for the first time last year. What moved me then was the richness and vastness of Saroma’s nature. When people think of Hokkaido, they usually picture tourist spots like Sapporo or Otaru, but I want to recommend Saroma. Major tourist spots have their charms, of course. As someone who loves nature, I found Saroma extremely comfortable. I only stayed two days, but it felt livable enough to consider moving there. Roads are wide, grasslands are expansive, and everything feels huge. It was impressive. Above all, the food is delicious. The scallops that even I, who once disliked seafood, learned to enjoy are from Saroma, and the miso ramen made with Sapporo miso was superb. I also felt the kindness of the people. Perhaps their atmosphere reminded me of Tsunocho, which resonated with me. *I wanted to write more, but I ran out of characters…

#018 It has gotten cold enough that you’ll need a jacket. Tsunocho hosts a variety of events in the coming season. In this post, we’ll introduce the main events taking place through the end of the year all at once. Tsunocho Events: Autumn 🍂 to Year-end 1. Classic Car Festival Car Festa Miyazaki in Tsuno This classic car festival is held at Tsuno Winery every year on the fourth Sunday of November. Cool, cute, nostalgic — many precious classic cars from those days gather here. Although there are no stage performances at the venue, numerous food and craft stalls attract many car enthusiasts. Even people who aren’t normally into cars will likely find themselves saying, “Wow, that brings back memories.” Date and time: Sunday, November 23, 2025, 10:00–15:00 Location: Tsuno Winery Plaza Admission is free. Everyone is welcome. 2. Tsuno Town Industry Festival Following the summer festival, the town’s major event, the Industry Festival, will be held again this year. This year the venue changes to the Tsunomachi Nakamachi Market Site (next to Kikuya Kashiho). On the day there will be a mobile petting zoo, stage shows, and a performance by Miyazaki Prefecture’s local hero, Tenson Kourin Himkaiser. There will also be many food trucks and tent vendors. At the end of the stage program, a big raffle will award popular game consoles, sought-after smartwatches, and specialty products from the local area, sister city Itoman City, and friendship city Saromacho. Date and time: Sunday, November 30, 2025, 9:00–15:00 Location: Tsunomachi Nakamachi Market Site (next to Kikuya Kashiho, in front of Honjin Akagike Residence) Admission is free. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

This photo was taken at the Popular Churakai Water Museum. The dolphins swimming with the sunset in the background were brilliant and graceful. My first trip to Okinawa with my university friends is an unforgettable memory.

My first trip to Okinawa. The first day started with heavy rain, but I was very Impression by the sudden sunny weather! The dazzling sun and clear blue sea made me squirm like a child. Next summer, I want to enjoy it to the fullest.

I Outbound to Iriomote Island in search of the Iriomote wildcat. Train, plane, bus, ship, and bus took 11 hours. It's already overseas. I was tired, but Impression by the sunset, I toasted with sparkling wine and grape juice and got excited. I didn't see any Iriomote wildcats.

Protecting Precious Lives / Lifesavers Thanks to watching over you, you can enjoy the sea with peace of mind. Red Balloon Beach next to Manza Beach.

In August 2014, I visiting the site Yomitan Village Eisa Festival (Yomitan Village Sports Square). In the heat, the young people were lively!

I Outbound to Okinawa before. We outbound to Hamahiga Island on a scooter and drank fruit juice at a street shop. It's a good memory.

Naha Hurley prays for the safety of the sea and abundant fishing / It is a traditional Naha hurley held every year at the Naha Port New Port Pier in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is a traditional event of the sea in Okinawa that has continued since the Ryukyu Kingdom period about 600 years ago, and is Held in during Golden Week on May 3~5 to pray for safe navigation and good fishing. It features a dragon boat with a dragon motif, and it's amazing to see 32 rowers competing with each other! I went to see it again this year. The sound of the bell and the finger whistle were hot again this year ^^

Naha Hurley prays for the safety of the sea and abundant fishing / It is a traditional Naha hurley held every year at the Naha Port New Port Pier in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is a traditional event of the sea in Okinawa that has continued since the Ryukyu Kingdom period about 600 years ago, and is Held in during Golden Week on May 3~5 to pray for safe navigation and good fishing. It features a dragon boat with a dragon motif, and it's amazing to see 32 rowers competing with each other! I went to see it again this year. The sound of the bell and the finger whistle were hot again this year ^^

Naha Hurley prays for the safety of the sea and abundant fishing / It is a traditional Naha hurley held every year at the Naha Port New Port Pier in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is a traditional event of the sea in Okinawa that has continued since the Ryukyu Kingdom period about 600 years ago, and is Held in during Golden Week on May 3~5 to pray for safe navigation and good fishing. It features a dragon boat with a dragon motif, and it's amazing to see 32 rowers competing with each other! I went to see it again this year. The sound of the bell and the finger whistle were hot again this year ^^

🌊✨ Memories 🌊✨ of Iriomote Island Diving Tour Hello! This time in Hokule'a Shonan, I went to Iriomote Island! There is a to everyone who participated. First of all, the highlight of this tour, the big game! The manta ray we were looking for swam gracefully right above us, and everyone was very excited about its majestic appearance! The next thing that appeared was a turtle 🐢. They have a strong spirit of service, come close to everyone, and take a commemorative photo perfectly! In addition, a flock of barracudas will appear at the end! The thunderstorm ☔️ of the previous day reduced the visibility a little, but I still enjoyed the luxurious scene. In addition to the big fish, we also observed a variety of corals 🪸, beautiful water channels ☀️ with light, and many macro organisms such as clownfish and nudibranchs. The clownfish even showed off a 😊 trick Even after diving, we spent a relaxing time at a café and toasted together, making it a very satisfying four days not only at sea but also on land. The time I spent with you was truly a wonderful memory. ⭐️ The next Iriomote Island tour will be Friday, May 15-18, 2026 Capacity: 8 people Make your reservation as soon as possible! 😎 🌈 If it's Hokule'a Shonan There are Accommodation tours every month! Accommodation tours include more than just diving There are a lot of things that everyone can enjoy 🙌 Hokule'a Shonan is a dive shop located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!", we deliver the splendor and fun of Nature to everyone through diving. Izu, Okinawa, overseas, etc., we offer more than 300 days of courses and tours a year! The small number of students is small, so beginners can participate with confidence. We are flexible in responding to your requests, so let's experience a new world of the sea together! 🌈 #IriomoteDiving #ScubaAdventure #OceanExploration #BigMarineLife #MantaRayEncounter #TurtleEncounter #BarracudaSchool #UnderwaterAdventure #TropicalDiving #IslandGetaway #ScubaTravel #OceanLovers #DiveWithUs #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan #PADI5Star #DivingExperience #TravelJapan #IslandVibes #ScubaDivingJapan

Mie Castle in Yomitan Village (Migusuku Reproduction Building) On a sunny and windy day, I went to take a school bag photo of my sons (twins). The transparency of the sea is high, and no matter how many times you look at it, the sea of Okinawa will give you an impression. The people I met at this place congratulated me, and I think I was happier than them.

Sunset Spot in Nishizaki / It is a sunset seen from the Coast of Nishizaki, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. Thereare is a breakwater near Mimi Beach where fish art is drawn. You can see the Kerama Islands in the distance, and the sunset seen from here is very beautiful. There are many people taking a walk while watching this sunset ^^

Sweeping views of Nature in the Northern Part / This is the view seen from "DRIVE IN Rikari Kawarumi" in Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture. This is an Observation decks, and it is a Spot where you can see the Warumi Strait, the Kouri Bridge, and Yanbaru in the distance. There is also a Hamburger restaurant, and there are sofas and terrace seats, so you can overlook this view while eating a Hamburger. I recommend coming in the middle of summer ^^

【Event Notice】📍 Izena Village, Okinawa 2025 (Reiwa 7) Degree Public Affairs Seimei Festival You can ✨ worship the Jade Palace, which is unlocked only on this day once a year Date & Time: Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Reiwa 7), 10 a.m. ~ Location: Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property "Gyokugoten" Organizer: Izena Village The public is also welcome to attend, so you can see the precious ceremony and the inside of the Jade Palace, which is only unlocked once a year. https://www.izena-kanko.jp/detail.jsp?type=TopicsTopPage&id=104381&funcid=2&editMode=...

📍 Izena Island, Okinawa Experience Mackerel Ibar on Okinawa's largest Uninhabited island Make Squid Da using only what you have on the Uninhabited island and escape within 48 hours! A group of 6 good friends participate in the graduation trip of graduate school! We want to push ourselves to our limits. I want to make memories with my friends. We want to test our Mackerel Ibar ability. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I rowed the raft to the end and reached the goal. It was a great graduation trip! The walk-in tour has ended successfully! Thank you also for the recovery of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat on an Uninhabited island/ Presently/ We are looking for participants from all over the country for the 3 tours in May, July, and September! https://www.mujinto-yanaha.com//

🌊 Welcome to the ✨ mysterious and beautiful world of the sea I went again this year! Annual event 3 days 2 nights tour🐋 of Okinawa Impression diving, and dreamy whale watching... It was a special experience that stayed with me all the time. The dance of the dogfish and damselfish flocking in the coral forest was a masterpiece, and it was truly indescribably beautiful. What is the appeal of whale watching? Speaking of winter in Okinawa, whale watching is not to be missed. Humpback whales appear in the waters around Okinawa for breeding in winter, and you can see their Powerful presence right in front of you. By combining whale watching after diving, you can enjoy the waters of Okinawa even deeper. 🐳 Whale Trivia The humpback whale is a large whale that can reach up to 15 meters and weigh up to 30 tons. Their graceful swimming and dynamic jumps (yellowtail ching) are spectacular. Humpback whales are also famous as "singing whales", where male whales sing beautifully to communicate with their mates. 🪸 Beautiful sea with coral forests The sea in Okinawa is also known as the "Coral Forest" where colorful corals spread all over. Corals are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and the colorful fish that live there are truly fantastic. For divers, it is truly a Impression moment to experience such a rich world of the sea up close. Thank you to everyone who participated for a wonderful three days! 😃 Dive, drink, eat... It was a great memory! smile 📅 Next held in: Early March 2026 If you couldn't make it this year, be sure to do it next time! 💪 Experience this unforgettable impression together! Thoughts 🌈 of Hokule'a Shonan At Hokule'a Shonan, we believe that diving is not just an adventure, but a journey to explore the unknown and discover a new side of ourselves. You may be able to meet a new self by encountering Okinawa's rich sea creatures and entrusting yourself to the quiet and serene blue world. "Let's embark on a journey into a world we have not yet seen." We hope you will join us on this tour. 🌊

Meet the blue world and coral paradise 🌊🐠 on the Okinawa main island tour The sea on the main island of Okinawa is as beautiful as if you were lost in another world. Hokule'a Shonan Held in a tour of the main island of Okinawa where you can fully enjoy this charm. In this article, we will introduce you to plenty of fantastic sights that you can encounter during the tour. 【Impression experience 💙 surrounded by the world of blue】 When you dive into the waters of Okinawa, you will see a world of crystal clear blue in front of you. The color of the sea is deep and clear, and you feel as if you are being sucked in. The sunlight shining into the water beautifully highlights the silhouettes of corals and fish, and you will lose track of time. Especially from winter to Spring, the sea in Okinawa is even more transparent, and you can clearly see the details of fish and coral in the distance. During the tour, experienced instructors will provide solid support so that even beginners can enjoy this mysterious sight with peace of mind. 🤿 [A coral paradise 🌿🪸 woven with pale greenery] Okinawa's coral reefs are impressive with their gentle greenish hue. The sight of coral spreading out like a flower garden is truly a paradise under the sea. If you look closely, you can see colorful small fish swimming around energetically in the coral gaps, like a scene from an Anime. 🐟🐡 Coral reefs are an important part of Okinawa's rich ecosystem. In order to protect this beautiful coral reef, Hokule'a Shonan dives while conveying the importance of environmental protection. Participants are also encouraged to be aware of environmentally friendly behaviors. 🌍 【Encounters 🐠🐟 with a variety of fish】 In the waters of the main island of Okinawa, you can encounter a variety of fish, such as colorful tropical fish, schools of blue-purple fish, and small and cute yellow fish. In particular, the fish swim densely near the coral reef, making it a perfect scene that makes you want to take pictures. 📸 On the tour, you can enjoy each of them, admiring schools of fish swimming leisurely and looking for rare creatures hidden behind the rocks. The instructor will also introduce the names and ecology of the fish, so one of the attractions is not only to see them, but also to have a learning experience. 📝 [How to 🧳✈️ participate in the Okinawa main island tour] Hokule'a Shonan's tour of the main island of Okinawa can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to experienced people. We propose a plan tailored to the skills and wishes of the participants, so that they can safely experience the beautiful world of the sea. Details and dates of the tour are available on the official website and social media, so be sure to check them out. 👀 Why don't you create your own special memories in the sea of Okinawa? ✨ [The possibilities are endless! ] 🌟】 Hokule'a Shonan supports the first step into the unknown. In the sparkling blue waters of Okinawa, let's embark on a journey to free your mind and find a new you. 🌊💫

Mackerel Ibaru on the largest Uninhabited island in Okinawa Prefecture! "Uninhabited island Mackerel Ibar Escape Tour" held in! It's the best team building! Experience the ♪ extraordinary 📍 Izena Island, Okinawa Held in 3 times in May, July and September 2025! Use can also be used for corporate training and incentive tours. For inquiries, please visit the following site ↓ https://www.mujinto-yanaha.com//

https://shimatabi-rito.com/okinawa/plan/detail/656/... [Okinawa Prefecture Izena Island Day trip bullet tour] I'm doing it! Reservations can be made from the Internet ↓ Since you may not be able to get an inn on Izena Island, the tourism association has made a plan that you can enjoy on a day trip. We will guide you to your desired place within the time, such as the history course of King Shoen, the superb view photogenic course, the Ontake tour, the cultural property documents museum course, the joint inn preview course, etc., and you can (^▽^) leave it to us/ Reservation required 2 days in advance * Available from 2 people 3000 yen ~ (1 Adult) Time required: 11:30~13:30 (Ferry departure from Izena 13:30) Foreigners are also available (English only) ☆ After all, it is recommended to Accommodation slowly, so those who Accommodation can consult the time.

To all childcare workers (prospectives) nationwide! Why don't you experience working and moving to Izena Island for 3 days and 2 nights? Those who are interested in working at a nursery school on an Outlying Islands! In Izena Village, there is a shortage of nursery teachers. First of all, those who want to see and experience Please contact us ✨✨😊 Izena Village Planning and Policy Division 0980-45-2001 📍 Izena Island, Okinawa Application Guidelines Details PDF ↓ https://vill.izena.okinawa.jp/.../2025/01/1737526834.pdf... Okinawa Island Gurashi Site ↓ https://okinawa-iju.jp/news/18583/...

It's still cold in Okinawa! The temperature on Izena Island is up to 22°C today So, for Okinawans, it's cold. When the sun comes out, it's warm with short sleeves. By the way, when I was organizing my photos, I found the coral reef of Izena Island! After all, it is an unexplored area of diving, so there are still many ✨✨ unknown spots It's quite a ✨✨ hidden gem Squid this summer, why don't you go private diving on Izena Island? ✨✨

Izena Shoenou Festival 📍 Outlying Islands of Okinawa Waterfront Fureai Park Stage Held in in 2025 on a three-day holiday in August! The schedule will be Open to the public around June.

Hart's Coral Reef ❤️ 📍 Izenajima Rinkai Park, Okinawa Appears around 100 centimeters of tide level on a sunny day 3 minutes walk from Nakata Port Terminal on Izena Island

Ferry Izena Shoen Take a comfortable boat trip aboard the largest car ferry on Okinawa's Outlying Islands with a capacity of 350 people to Izena Island 1 hour 😊 from Nakijin Village Unten Port For more information, please visit the Home page from your profile!

Sunset is the most beautiful beach 🏖️ 📍 Izena Beach Izena Island, a Outlying Islands in Okinawa 1 hour by ferry from Nakijin Village Unten Port

I'm just ✨ staring at the sea 📍 Izena Beach Outlying Islands in Okinawa where you don't feel time

📍 Gitara Observation decks　 Superb view ✨ from the One of the 100 best beaches in Japan Futamigoura Coast