Doshi Village Furusato Nozei Thank-You Gift Announcement of the “Doshi Village Travel Fan Ticket” This regional voucher can be used at Tourism Association member facilities, including campsites, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, fishing services, hot springs, and Michi-no-Eki Doshi. Please use it when you visit Doshi Village during spring break or Golden Week.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building. March has arrived, and Shosenkyo Gorge is slowly showing signs of spring. It’s still a bit chilly, but the mountain trees are starting to take on a hint of green, and the landscape’s expression is softening 🌿 Shosenkyo Gorge was once known as a source of quartz, and the beautiful crystals mined here helped Yamanashi become known as the City of Gems ✨ Shosenkyo Gorge is also home to Kanazakura Shrine, which enshrines quartz as its sacred object, making it a particularly recommended spot for fans of stones and power stones 💎 It’s a mystical place where you can feel nature and history ⛩️ When you visit Shosenkyo Gorge, be sure to see Senga Falls. The view of the waterfall up close is full of power and so photogenic you’ll want to capture it on camera 📸 When touring Shosenkyo Gorge, please stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building. At this time of year, we offer wines that feel bright and springlike 🍷🌸 We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Introducing a new shop that accepts the Zenkoji Omotesando Walk-and-Eat Ticket ✨ "CHAYADO Hyaku-hachi" @cha_yado_momoya From April 1st, the Zenkoji Omotesando Walk-and-Eat Ticket can be used here. This is a matcha café attached to a guesthouse, newly opened by the popular sweets shop centotto gelato, known in Shinanomachi and Nagano station. Soft light through wooden latticework and a quietly composed space that values empty space let you enjoy a peaceful time. 【Phone】026-217-2608 【Hours】9:00–18:30 (last order 18:00) 【Closed】None 【Parking】None Zenkoji Omotesando Walk-and-Eat Ticket Eligible Item (from April 1) "Affogato" 750 yen → effectively 650 yen with ticket *Choose one of the three types below* Matcha Espresso Affogato Milk Matcha Affogato Espresso Affogato 【Recommended items】*Not eligible for the Walk-and-Eat Ticket* 1) "Hyaku-hachi Parfait" A new item now on offer, the Hyaku-hachi Parfait uses strawberries lavishly and lets you enjoy a collaboration of gelato and matcha chocolate! Price: 1,100 yen 2) "MOMOYA Latte" Hyaku-hachi’s original layered matcha latte series made with fruit from Nagano Prefecture. Choose from blueberry, strawberry, or azuki (red bean). Price: 900 yen <Zenkoji Walk-and-Eat Ticket> This value ticket lets you choose and buy favorites from about 20 shops selling Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1) Purchase a ticket [1,000 yen each, tax included] *price revised from April 1* (Until March 31 each ticket could be purchased for 700 yen, tax included) 2) At shops listed in the brochure, exchange the stickers attached to the ticket (100-yen × 8, 50-yen × 4) for products 3) Redeem used tickets for a prize (receive an original bag!) It’s cheaper than usual and perfect for sampling small tastes from various shops while you walk and eat ✨ For more details, see the highlights on @nagano_cvb! #cafe #sweets #walk-and-eat #Nagano City #nagano

Today's Observatory This morning's lowest temperature in Nobeyama was -15.5°C, the second coldest in the country. The sky is clear, and Yatsugatake is showing its full blue. Last year, the NAOJ Nobeyama Observatory was bustling with pilgrimages, but it has now returned to quiet. I remember with fondness the time a year ago when we nervously debated various measures, wondering, “Will people really come in droves?” If you couldn't take a leisurely tour of the observatory back then, now is a good time to visit—it's still a bit chilly, though.

[Komaide Pond Campground Reservations Open] Komaide Pond Campground sits in a stunning stand of white birch often called the most beautiful in Japan, offering a superb location for camping 🏕️ Reservations for the 2026 season are now open! Season opens: Friday, April 24 Bookings open: Tuesday, March 10 at 10:00 AM To reserve, search for "komaide pond campground" on the NAP site for campground reservations. Komaide Pond Campground official site https://yachiho-kogen.com/camp/...

Hello, I’m Gen 😊 It’s March, and Shosenkyo Gorge is getting warmer by the day, making the arrival of spring more noticeable 🌸☘️ The sight of beautiful waterfalls cascading between sheer rock faces and the peaceful valley views will become even more appealing in the coming season 🏞️✨ Shosenkyo offers a special place to stroll slowly while feeling the power of nature, refreshing both body and mind 😊 The photo shows Amethyst 'Egao' (Smiling Mouth) 💎 This stone is notable for its shape that looks like an open, smiling mouth, and it is said to "invite good fortune and gather positive energy," making it a very auspicious natural gem 😃 At Gen’s shop, we carry many good-luck items, including impressive amethyst geodes and quartz crystals 🔮✨ When you visit Shosenkyo, please drop by Gen as well 😊 All our staff look forward to welcoming you sincerely! ✨

From Wakeido, a product introduction. This is a sword attributed to Narie of Bizen from the Nanbokucho period(AD1350). Sword Mumei（unsigned） Nariie Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Measurements Length 71.4 cm Sori (curvature) 15 mm Mekugi-ana (peg hole) 1 MOTO-HABA (base width) 32.5 mm SAKI-HABA (tip width) 25 mm MOTO-KASANE (base thickness) 7 mm Province Bizen(Okayama) Period Nanbokucho period Shape Shinogi-zukuri, iorimune, wide mihaba with little difference between base and tip width, slightly thick kasane, shallow overall sori with a belly curve, large kissaki Hada (forging) Itame with mokume and nagare textures mixed, somewhat prominent hada, ji-nie well attached in places, frequent chikei lines, faint utsuri appearing Hamon (temper) Generally low tempered line, small tare mixed with gunome, a few sharp-pointed teeth-like elements, komasaari (small foot) present, nioigachi (prefers nioi), kansuji present, occasional niokuchi depression Boshi (tip temper) Midare-komi with kansuji, on the omote the point is swept and looks yakitsume-like, on the ura it turns back shortly with a small round tip Carving Bo-hi drilled through on both sides Nakago (tang) O-suriage (shortened), saki-kiri, yasurime kiri Commentary Nariie of the Osafune school in Bizen Province is said by one account to be a descendant of Keishu (Mitsutada’s younger brother) and was active in the late Nanbokucho period as one of the smiths classified among those with kosori school. However, mei-kanki records list somewhat earlier years such as Bunwa through Koan, and based on style and mei characters a connection with Kanemitsu is also possible, requiring further study. His skill is comparable to Masamitsu of the Kanemitsu group from the same era. This sword displays the Nanbokucho-era style with a wide mihaba and large kissaki. The jigane shows itame forging with somewhat prominent hada and frequent chikei, producing irregular areas of changed iron that appear thick in places. The hamon is low notare and mixed gunome, demonstrating the distinctive features of Nariie belonging to the Kosori school type. Above all, its heavy, majestic presence and the varied, striking forging make this an outstanding piece.

I went to Oshino Village in Yamanashi Prefecture for a photo shoot one early morning in February. The sky was clear, and I was able to see the magnificent Mount Fuji. The temperature was below freezing; there was no snow, but a white frost covered the ground. Corn cobs were hung out to dry and gleamed in the morning sun, so I took a shot with Mount Fuji in the background. Japan’s number one Mount Fuji shone brilliantly.

Winter silence reflected in a circular window ■Shooting location Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel "Light Cave", Niigata Prefecture ■Background and thoughts behind the work I have long been deeply interested in contemporary architecture and geometric form, and I wanted to capture this space by architect Ma Yansong through my own lens. In the severe cold of February, a silver world spread beyond the tunnel. What I aimed to express in this image was the contrast between the clinical stainless steel walls, the rugged snow-covered mountains of nature, and the water-mirror that blurs the boundary between them. I paid particular attention to the placement of the figure and the balance of symmetry. In the quiet, blue space, a single human step adds a moment when a "story" is born within frozen time. My fingertips felt numb in the subzero air, but when the perfect circle and its reflection aligned through the viewfinder, I felt an indescribable exhilaration. This photograph is a precious memory from a winter trip that closed my study abroad life in Japan, taken while confronting my own sensibility.

Here are spots where flowers are at their best in March ✨ 1. Fukujusō at Hinata Ooka A natural colony of fukujusō (Adonis ramosa) spreads across about 2,000 square meters on the rolling hills of the Hyūga District in Oooka, Nagano City. On well-kept slopes, fukujusō bloom proudly with the majestic Northern Alps as a backdrop. Typical peak season: mid-March 2. Fukujusō at Nanaoekosaka More than 30,000 fukujusō carpet the steep east-facing slopes. This dense stand of fukujusō, said to be the finest in northeast Shinshu, is a spectacular sight. Typical peak season: early to late March Note: You will walk about 500 meters along a mountain path from the parking area, including uphill sections, so please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers. 3. Roukaku Plum Garden (Shinshu Shinmachi) Around 1,000 small ume trees and red-plum varieties are planted here, offering delicate blossoms set against the flowing Saikawa River. Typical peak season: late March to early April The Nagano Convention & Visitors Bureau website summarizes flowering conditions around Nagano City 🌼 #plum #love flowers #scenic flower views #Nagano City

Mount Fuji as seen from Kawaguchiko Bridge over Lake Kawaguchi on a certain day

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos. We are Wakeido, a specialty shop for buying and selling Japanese swords and traditional blades. We operate in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, buying, selling, and appraising nihonto (Japanese swords) and fittings. Founded over 70 years ago, we have built lasting relationships with many people through swords. In this first post, we would like to introduce who Wakeido is and what kinds of swords we handle. ■What is Wakeido? Wakeido is a sword specialist based in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and we have provided many Japanese swords and sword fittings to customers. Our strength lies in offering authentic, NBTHK-certified items (appraisal papers issued by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). We have experienced sword appraisal specialists on staff who provide reliable transactions and accurate guidance based on expert judgment and trust. We strive to give first-time visitors a welcoming consultation experience, so please feel free to contact us. ■What is a Japanese sword? A Japanese sword is a traditional blade made using Japan’s unique forging techniques and is often seen as a symbol of samurai culture. Beyond being a weapon, its aesthetic form, functional excellence, and historical background have earned it high regard domestically and internationally as an art object and cultural asset. Japanese swords generally have the following characteristics. ・They use a special steel called tamahagane ・A beautiful hamon (temper line) appears on the blade ・Their structure and hardening techniques make them hard to break, resistant to bending, and very sharp ・Shapes and features vary by period and swordsmith, giving them strong appeal for collectors At Wakeido, we consider it our important mission to convey these attractions of Japanese swords with correct knowledge and to pass them on to the next generation. ■What kinds of swords and fittings does Wakeido handle? Wakeido deals in a variety of sword types, including tachi, katana, wakizashi, and tanto. We also offer many sword fittings such as tsuba (handguards), fuchigashira (collar and pommel), menuki (ornamental grip pieces), and kozuka (small utility knife handles). These items often have high value as art objects and are popular for decoration and collecting. ■What about Wakeido’s online sales? If you cannot visit the store, we invite you to use our online shop for purchases. We ship to sword enthusiasts worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. How to order: https://wakeidou.com/pages/117/... Our official website includes product photos and detailed descriptions, so you can shop with confidence from anywhere in the country. One of our goals is to act as a bridge that shares the appeal of Japanese swords with the world. ■How can you sell or have a sword appraised? We evaluate and buy unwanted swords, swords inherited through succession, or blades whose value is unknown by assessing their condition and whether an appraisal certificate is present to arrive at a fair valuation. Estimates are, of course, free. We offer several purchase methods: in-store purchase, home-visit purchase, and mail-in appraisal services. You can choose the option that suits your convenience, so please feel free to consult us first. ■Where is Wakeido? Access information Our shop is located at 1-chome Kashiwa-cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. It is about a 13-minute walk from the West Exit of Nagaoka Station, and parking is available. Business hours: 9:00–18:00 Closed: 1st and 3rd Sundays ■For Anything Related to Japanese Swords, Turn to Wakeido We at Wakeido want to connect with everyone who is interested in Japanese swords and fittings through bonds formed around swords. ・Those who want to try purchasing a Japanese sword ・Those who want to sell or have a sword appraised ・Those who want to expand their collection ・Those who want to experience a sword for the first time We welcome both domestic and international customers. We will help you enjoy the appeal of Japanese swords as a cultural asset and pass that appeal on to the future. Thank you for your continued support of Wakeido. https://wakeidou.com//

March 1 (Sunday) is the opening day for yamame and small-fry fishing on the Doshi River. This year has seen unusually low rainfall not seen for decades. Although the clear waters of the Doshi River have remained low, they have started to recover after yesterday's rain. Please enjoy the Doshi River's yamame again this year. *The fee for the fishing permit has been revised.

Mount Fuji Day 2/23 Today's temperature in Minami-Alps City is an astonishing 22°C Springlike weather 🌸 Unfortunately, Mount Fuji is hidden during the daytime today… In honor of Mount Fuji Day, please enjoy photos of Mount Fuji taken in the past as seen from Minami-Alps City 🗻

This is Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-style Village in Ainokura, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. The scene created by Ainokura’s gassho-style houses and the snow-covered fields is truly a timeless image of Japan. As evening fell and the houses’ lights began to glow, the steadily falling snow created a magical atmosphere. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷 ☃️❄️🏡🏔️

Hello, this is Ryūsuido 🌸 The birthstone for February, amethyst 💎, is one of the more powerful varieties of quartz, known for its mystical purple color. Known not only for bringing good luck and fortune, it also offers healing and protection from harm, and is celebrated as a guardian stone of love 😊 At Shosenkyo Gorge it has been mild the past few days, and you can begin to feel the first hints of spring. Clear skies, rugged rock faces, and sunlight spilling onto the water— that contrast is stunning and soothing to the soul ✨ One of Shosenkyo’s charms is the changing scenery each season brings ❗️ The Takinoue area offers many spots where you can forget everyday life and simply enjoy yourself 🌿 Please do visit when you can‼️ We truly look forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles 😊✨

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 15, Okuwa village Okuwa Village Sports Park

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 14, 2026 Nagisomachi Tsumago inn Tsumago-juku

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 11 — Nezame-no-Toko, Agematsu Town

A 200,000-year-old guide to water The Mikata Five Lakes Nature Cruise website has been renewed! https://mihama-lakecenter.com// It is now easier to check the operating status for the day. Mihama Town Lake Center Location: 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-47-5960 Closed: Wednesdays (the following day if a public holiday) Year-end and New Year holidays: December 29 to January 3

A fire lookout tower and MtJonen together!! Nagano Prefecture apparently has a lot of fire lookout towers…

Jikkasegi Irrigation Canal flowing beside the Northern Alps An irrigation waterway built in the Edo Period Now it serves as a resting spot for ducks

February 17th Yesterday Azumino was mostly cloudy, but today it’s clear Mt. Jonen appears in a dignified, striking view

Hello, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Yesterday we enjoyed a clear blue sky. The first photo is Senga Falls. Even after mid-February it still wears ice, crashing down with a thunderous roar and an overwhelmingly powerful presence. A crisp, wintry beauty unique to the season spreads across the scene. The second photo is Kakuen Peak. Its silhouette, emblematic of Shosenkyo Gorge, looks like a sumi-e ink painting. Please enjoy the contrast of stillness and motion that stands out in the clear air. There are vistas you can meet only in winter. We sincerely look forward to your visit. #Shosenkyo Gorge #Senga Falls #Kakuen Peak #Yamanashi Tourism #Winter Scenery

February 15th I went to see the fukujusō on Mt. Kojo because fukujusō started blooming in my garden They grow in a cluster at the corner of the clearing just before the summit of Mt. Kojo Maybe it was still early, so only a few were blooming… Their color makes you feel the arrival of spring

Takase River flows from Omachi into Azumino It then meets two rivers and becomes the Saikawa Upstream lie MtShirouma and the ridgeline of the Northern Alps Sunlight pours down as if spring has arrived

February 15th A clear, bright sky over Azumino The view of the Northern Alps is stunning!! Temperatures are climbing today, making it perfect weather for sightseeing

Fudo Falls in the Daimon area. About Fudo Falls The waterfall sits on the upper reaches of the Omosawa River. It is said to have long been a place for ascetic training, and Fudo Myoo, from whom the name derives, is enshrined beside the falls. It is also said that En no Gyōja once practiced asceticism at this waterfall. Sheer rock faces and trees surround the site, offering seasonal scenery throughout the year. About Fudo Falls (Nagawa Tourism Association website) https://www.nagawa.info/facility-spot/1981/... Please remember to open and close the deer-prevention gate along the route. Please also bring a bear bell. In winter, four-wheel drive and studded tires are required.

【Clear skies today ☀️ The Northern Alps look beautiful 🏔】 On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, Omachi City enjoyed clear weather, and the snow-capped Northern Alps stood out against the blue sky ✨ I took photos from Omachi Park through Mikkamachi, across Renge Ohashi Bridge, and behind Omachi City Culture Hall 📱 The temperature rose into the teens Celsius, making the day feel like the first hint of spring 🌱

Hello. This is En'emon Folklore Museum 😃 After the recent snowfall ❄️, you can still see some snow lingering around Senga Falls ✨ Please watch your step on the stairs to the falls, as some sections are icy. Shosenkyo Gorge is also seeing more warm days during the daytime ☀️ On sunny days, we recommend a relaxed walk while soaking up the sunlight 😀🌿 This month's birthstone: Amethyst 💜 Known as a stone of purification and healing, it is also associated with 'true love.' At En'emon Folklore Museum, we offer high-quality amethyst pendants in beautiful colors, cuts, and sizes, as well as rare amethysts with clear quartz tips—each a must-see ✨ Please stop by during your walk 😃 All our staff look forward to greeting you with smiles 💓 When you visit, please take extra care with your vehicle and your footing 🚗✨