🎎 Kuwanouchi Hina Doll Exhibition 🎎 Today (February 27) I went to see the hina doll exhibition in the Kuwanouchi district.👀✨ I lost track of time admiring the dolls loaned by local residents and the artworks arranged around them.🥰 The warmth of the community seemed to shine through the hina dolls.💖

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//

Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹 I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆 You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨ We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰 This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏 We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕 Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!

[2025 Rokkakudo Kiriko Festival] Scene of the "Rokkakudo Kiriko Festival" on 10/13 (Monday). You can see the historical Kiriko exhibition up close. The works created over time are detailed and delicate... I am overwhelmed by the beauty that I can't believe is human work! At dusk, when the lights are lit in the Rokkakudo Hall and I see the local people praying, I hope that this scene will continue to be passed down in the future, along with the miracle that has continued for more than 300 years.

Gion Shrine Autumn Festival "Okunchi Festival" On October 9th, the Gion Shrine autumn festival "Okunchi Festival" took place in Kuraoka ⛩ It was held under a clear, slightly warm sky 🌞 Traditional performing arts were presented, including a kagura dedication, the Usu-daiko drum dance, and yamabushi dialogue rituals ✨ The Usu-daiko drum dance welcomed walk-in participants, and many people joined in 😊 Watching participants from inside and outside the prefecture join local residents to form a circle and perform the same dance is moving every time I experience it 😭 And this year saw the revival of the "Negai-kake Kagura" (wish-offering kagura) 👹 The powerful yet solemn dance, carrying on the original custom called the "Festival of Wish Fulfillment," stirred my heart 💖 Having kagura performed to make a wish is such a wonderful tradition ✨ Everyone, please come to Gokase’s autumn festival next year! Walk-in participation is very welcome 🙌

📢 Announcement: “Miyazaki Kagura” at the National Noh Theatre — Katsura Kagura Performance On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the National Noh Theatre (Sendagaya, Tokyo) will host a performance of Katsura Kagura, a traditional performing art handed down in Morotsuka Village. Kagura is offered as a prayer to the gods. Please take this opportunity to experience its mysterious dances and sounds. 📅 Event Details ・Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 ・Doors open: 12:30 / Performance starts: 13:30 (scheduled to end around 17:40) ・Venue: National Noh Theatre (4-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) ・Admission: Free (advance application required; if applications exceed capacity, attendees will be selected by lottery) 📖 Program 1️⃣ Keynote lecture (about 30 minutes) 2️⃣ Katsura Kagura performance (about 3 hours) 📝 How to Apply ・Application period: Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Monday, October 6, 2025 ・Lottery results notification: Scheduled to be sent around Friday, October 17, 2025 📞 Contact “Miyazaki Kagura — National Noh Theatre Performance” Office TEL: 0985-22-1122 (Mon–Fri) 10:00–17:00 (excluding public holidays) 🔍 About Katsura Kagura Katsura Kagura is a kagura tradition from the Katsura settlement in Miyazaki Prefecture, preserved as an offering to Katsura Shohachiman Shrine. The shrine is said to have been established in the Nanbokucho period through a dedication from the Kanto region, and it preserves a mysterious history and long-standing traditions. ⛩️ Timing of Offerings ・Major kagura (night kagura) are offered irregularly for shrine relocations, shrine rebuilding, or when prayers are answered. ・Normally, the three-part kagura is offered during the spring and autumn grand festivals.

We will take a guided tour of some of the Annual Grand Festivals scheduled for 25/10/14 (Tue), 15 (Water), and 16 (Thu) at Ishioka Shrine and Isono Shrine. Walk through the autumn Halle day with a knowledgeable guide. Please enjoy the splendid Cypress trees sculptures of Mizuju, flowers, birds, wind and moon, human figures, gold and silver thread sewing, and a gorgeous festival rituals with many lanterns flickering in the early morning. Tour guide Hajime Kono [Request for participation] ・ Application for those who can walk the number of km displayed on each tour menu (Walk through Traditional Japanese straw raincoat for the whole process) ・Please check the flyer for the number of applicants and groups. ・ This itinerary assumes those who plan to stay at Hotels near JR Iyo Saijo Station. 【Menu and Fee】 Please check from the image. Combinable. Contact us for details. Time is indicative. Those who make a reservation will be mailed a separate travel condition form and application form. 【Reservations and Inquiries】 Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201　 Person in charge: Tamai, Fujita 〒793-0030　 798-1 Omachi, Saijo-shi, Ehime TEL:0897-56-2605　 FAX:0897-47-3733

Here are some recommended experiences. Tokachi-Honbetsu Town has a large temperature difference between day and night and long hours of sunshine, making it ideal for growing high-quality beans. Why not try your hand at making tofu, an essential healthy food on Japanese tables, in Japan's leading bean-producing town? On this tour, you will join local farmers' wives in making tofu using traditional methods, and then make a salad using okara, the pulp left over from tofu production, ensuring that every part of the soybean is utilised. Tofu is a healthy food that also promotes beautiful skin. Through agricultural experiences, we want people to meet producers they would not normally encounter, learn about the care and intentions behind the ingredients, and taste the flavours of the local cuisine. We also hope these experiences will lead to new discoveries and values, helping people enjoy a healthier and richer diet. If you are interested, please apply at the following URL. Tokachi-Honbetsu is a town where the wide temperature swings and long hours of sunlight allow cultivation of high-quality beans. In Japan’s top bean-producing town, why not try making tofu, a healthy staple of Japanese dining? On this tour, you will work alongside local farmers’ wives to try time-honoured tofu-making methods, then prepare a salad using okara, the pressed soybean pulp left from making tofu, so that every part of the soybean is used without waste. Tofu supports health and also contributes to beautiful skin. These farming experiences let visitors connect with producers they normally could not meet, learn the intentions behind the ingredients, and taste the region’s food. Through the experience, we hope participants discover new insights and values that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling diet. If you are interested, please apply via the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/tofu-making-and-bean-rice-cooking-in-honbetsu/...

The Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center has started selling the 25th edition of the Saijo Festival poster and calendar. 【25th edition Saijo Festival poster vertical / horizontal】 B1 (728×1030mm) size Product price: 400 yen (tax included) / piece Image 1 Portrait Image 2 Horizontal 【FY25 Saijo Festival Calendar】 A2 (610×425mm) size Product price: 1,300 yen (tax included) / part Image 3 Calendar Both products are sold at the following locations: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 793-0030) In.

Welcome to Shimoda’s top summer event! The Shimoda Hachiman Shrine Grand Festival (Shimoda Taiko Festival) will take place. Feel the powerful beat of the taiko drums, the melodies of the shamisen, and watch portable shrines parade through town. This festival lets you experience the energy and traditions of Japan! 📍Location: Shimoda Hachiman Shrine and the surrounding area 🕒Dates: August 14 and August 15 🎆Fireworks: August 14, 7:50 PM–8:00 PM (scheduled) 📸 Don’t forget your camera! It’s a once-a-year special experience. Join the volunteers in shouting “Horya! Horya!” and help keep the excitement going.💪🔥 https://www.shimoda-city.info/shimoda-taiko...

Gion Shrine Summer Festival July 15 was the Gion Shrine’s summer festival⛩ We covered the Morimaki ritual held before the ceremony📷 They shaped the makaya grass gathered that morning into the form of Yamata no Orochi💪 Makaya is stiff, and twisting large amounts at once is a real challenge😅 Still, the Morimaki Ritual Preservation Society finished it with impressive skill✨ The amazake prepared overnight also turned out exceptionally tasty this year😆 There were many more visitors this year, which made us happy😁 The local community cherishes their “Gion-san” It will surely continue together with the community going forward🥰

The sacred tree that protects Kobe This photo was taken at Ikuta Shrine in the city of Kobe. Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the city, this place was like a different world, and the sacred tree that hung there gave me a sense of mysterious power.

Charcoal market with seafood The vivid colors of seafood and the fragrant smoke rising from the charcoal fire weave together tradition and vibrancy. A piece that conveys the warmth of the ancient city along with the bustle of the market.

Ume Juice and Umeboshi Making On a crisp summer day today (June 19), the red, white, and pink azaleas welcomed us cheerfully at Kuraokakurara. The eldest children from Kuraoka Nursery School and first graders from Kuraoka Elementary gathered to make ume juice and umeboshi.🤗 The children had harvested plenty of fresh ume at the Kuraoka district orchard the day before.😳💕 Under the guidance of the neighborhood’s “ume expert,” who lives in the Kuraoka area, everyone packed the prepared ume into jars. They will take the jars back to school, turn them over every day, and let them develop until the juices rise.💪 When the red shiso season arrives, they will move on to the next step.💡 It sounds delightful.🥰 It seems the children, now junior ume experts, also took some ume home, so they will likely enjoy processing them at home while passing on what they learned to their families.🤩✨

📣 Held again this year! Announcement for the Sakai Great Fish Night Market and Fireworks 🎇 What is the Sakai Great Fish Night Market (Sakai Oo-uo Yoichi)? It is a fish market festival held every late July at Ōhama Park in Sakai, Sakai Ward, Osaka Prefecture ✨ Said to have begun in the Kamakura period, it boasts about 700 years of history and has become a summer tradition in Sakai 🎐 🐡The highlight is the spectacular nighttime fish auction! There are also food stalls and corporate PR booths on display, making it a historic festival closely tied to the local community♪ This year’s event is on Saturday, July 26! Continuing from last year, there will also be fireworks launched from the sea 🎇 Enjoy the beautiful fireworks lighting up the shore! Don’t miss this summer’s annual event—everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you! 🎉 “Sakai Great Fish Night Market” 🗓️Date: Saturday, July 26 📍Venue: Ōhama Park ⏰Time: 11:00–21:30 “Senshu Yume Fireworks: Shakunetsu no Hanabi 7 I Love Sakai” 🗓️Date: Saturday, July 26 📍Venue: Sakai Old Port ⏰Gates open: 16:30 / Start: 20:20 / End: 20:50 (scheduled) 🔎For details, please see the official Sakai Tourism Guide website

Today, we will take a walk ☔ around the rainy Castle Town Kitsuki The rainy season has begun, and there is a heavy rain warning today. In the meantime, I guided a small group customer from Australia and took a walk in the rain in the Kitadai Samurai Residence Street. Here are just a few places you can enjoy on a rainy day. Please take a look at the scenery that can only be seen in Kitsuki City, and can only be seen on rainy days. 【Isoya Residence】The culture of hospitality seen in the Lord's resting place At the top of the slope of the accounting hall is the "Rakujutei" of the imperial residence set up as a resting place for the lords. Three of the rooms, the entrance room, the guest room, and the tea room, still remain as the Isoya residence. The architecture was built in the thirteenth year of culture (1816). After that, Kato Yogoemon, who became the owner, repeatedly expanded and renovated it, and it took its current form. Just as the role of Rakujutei was "rest", "healing" hospitality is prepared everywhere in the mansion. The garden is the best representation of this. The view of the garden, which can be seen from every room in the mansion, shows the Commitment and care of this mansion. Each window frame reflects a different garden scene, and the stylish arrangements extend to the hand water bowls and Ranma. The location of the paving stones placed in the garden, the arrangement and type of trees that have been fully calculated. Throughout the mansion, there is a profound spirit that speaks to us over the past 200 years. 【Isoya Residence】 〒873-0001 大分県杵築市杵築211-1 TEL 0978-63-1488 business hours 10:00~17:00 (Admission until 16:30) Closed Year-end and New Year holidays Entrance Fees Individuals: Adults 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen Groups: Adults 240 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 120 yen

~It's going to be sunny today ☼~ Hello! This is the Kitsuki City Tourism Association. Last time, Kitsuki Castle post the Scene we took a walk around the area. Today we went to the Castle Town area for a while. The photo shows the view from the scenery "Suya Slope" representing Kitsuki City ~ Kitadai Samurai Residence Street ~ Ohara Residence Scene of the mansion and garden. 【Suya Slope】A slope that tells a lot of the town The slope of Suya Slope, which connects the Samurai residence of Kitadai and the merchant town with its impressive earthen walls and stone walls, is a slope with very beautiful stone pavement. Shihoya's slopes are often introduced as a set, and that's no wonder. These two slopes, which represent Kitsuki, are opposite, and if you go down the slope of Shihoya, you will reach the slope of Suya Slope. The origin of the name of the slope is closely related to the merchants of Tanimachi. Shioya Choemon, who ran a liquor store, was a wealthy merchant who prospered greatly in the salt shop (liquor store) that was running at the bottom of the slope from Tanimachi to Minamidai, and then started a vinegar shop business at the bottom of the slope from Tanimachi to Kitadai. The slopes came to be known as "Shioya (Shihoya) no Saka" or "Suya Slope" because of their respective Squid. As you can see from this episode, Saka is deeply connected to this town, Gari not only has it connected life and people, but it also connects the Edo period and the present in this way. Needless to say, the existence of such a slope shines as a valuable personality of Kitsuki. 【Ohara Residence】 A glimpse into the life of a senior samurai in a beautiful old house Kitadai Samurai Residence Street lined with the ruins of the residences of senior samurai. Among them Suya Slope the Ohara Residence next door is a valuable architectural heritage that even now the lifestyle and atmosphere of the residence of a senior samurai who served as an elder and other important positions. It has a splendid thatched roof and a beautiful walking Garden in the large garden. Other, there is a wide entrance, the presence of the next room, the bow ceiling, and the waiya. Far from being glamorous, it is simple and solid, and yet the high level of formality can be seen everywhere, and evidence that this was the residence of a high-ranking samurai of high status is left in every corner of the building. This building is also a space where you can feel and read about the culture of the Edo period, the culture of samurai society, and the care for people. In addition, there are still even now interesting ingenuities, such as the wisdom of valuing things and saving money can be seen in the washing area and the furnace. ☆ The last photo is a service shot. "The Secret of the Earthen Wall" ~ If you look closely, you can see the structure from the broken part. On the way to the walk, that? You may also encounter interesting situations such as "N??". We will be posting like this in the future, so please take a look.

Kitsuki Castle A landmark towering over the Castle Town Kitsuki Since its construction in 1394, Kitsuki Castle has watched over this town for 600 years. Although it Castle Keep simulated, the three-tiered Castle Keep towering over the Ruins of the Castle is reminiscent of the appearance of this castle in the past. Built in the early Muromachi period by the Kitsuki clan on Mount Tai at the mouth of the Yasaka River, the castle was surrounded by natural strongholds such as the Takayama River to the north and Morie Bay to the east. While the castle changed its location and shape due to subsequent natural disasters and earthquakes, the castle owners were also replaced by the Maeda, Japanese cedar, and Hosokawa clans, and the Ogasawara and Matsudaira clans finally marked the end of the Edo era, and Kitsuki Castle continues to this day without welcoming a new castle owner. It is said to be important for understanding the actual state of castles in the early Edo period, such as understanding the building composition and structure of the castle before its destruction by the "One Country, One Castle Order" from historical documents and excavation results, and in March 2020, the Ruins of the Castle in the Taishan area and the ruins of the Lord's Palace at the foothills were designated as national historic sites. Some of the stone walls still exist. Today, the top of the mountain is open to the public as Shiroyama Park, and there is also a stone park where valuable stone structures such as the Kunisaki Pagoda found in various parts of the city are exhibited outdoors. At the time of the castle's construction, it was named "Kitsuki", but since it was mistakenly written as "Kitsuki" on the shogunate's shuin stamps, it has been changed to "Kitsuki". It is also known as "Katsuyama Castle" because it withstood the onslaught of the Shimazu for two months. Inside the castle, valuable items such as items related to the lords are on display, and armor, weapons, and Buddhist statues are on display. You can also enjoy dressing up and taking commemorative photos. It is visited by many tourists as the final destination of a walk around the Castle Town, and the superb view from the Castle Keep and the comfort of the wind will be a memory of the trip.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki City Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Shrine The third piece of the tradition of the first palace of Nagato no Kuni, a good harvest. The history of the rice planting festival is more than 1,800 years old. The third Sunday of May every year.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki City Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Shrine The second piece of the tradition of the first palace of Nagato no Kuni, a good harvest. The history of the rice planting festival is more than 1,800 years old. The third Sunday of May every year.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki City Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Shrine One piece of the tradition of the first palace in the country of Nagato, a good harvest. The history of the rice planting festival is more than 1,800 years old. The third Sunday of May every year.

Hello, this is the Kitsuki City Tourism Association! Kitsuki City, located in the northeastern part of Oita Prefecture, is a full of charm Castle Town surrounded by abundant nature. Kitsuki City, with a population of about 26,000 (as of 2023), is There is a at the base of the Kunisaki Peninsula and is easily accessed from Oita Airport. Kitsuki City is known as the "Castle Town of the Slope" and is characterized by a rare townscape in Japan, with samurai residences spread out on high ground from north to south, arranged across the merchant town in the valley. In this first COOL JAPAN VIDEO posting, we will deliver plenty of Tourist Information that allows you to fully enjoy Kitsuki City! We will also introduce recommended Spots and exquisite gourmet Information, so be sure to check it out! 【Access to Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from Oita Airports. In addition, it is about 30 minutes by car from Beppu / Yufuin. Use JR Station is the closest. Transportation from the station to the Castle Town area by local bus or Taxi and enjoy a historical walk. There are the sea nearby, the beautiful scenery Unfolds on a sunny day, and it is also popular as a Driving course, so renting a car is also recommended! 【About Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 While receiving the blessings of the sea and mountains, Kitsuki City has nurtured its own culture over a long history. Above all, if you walk through the Castle Town, you can feel the good Nostalgic Atmosphere with Samurai Residences and Merchant Towns left everywhere. If you are interested in the kimono experience and historical walks that are often introduced in Kitsuki City's Tourist Information, please visit. 【Historical background of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture developed from the Muromachi period to the Edo period, and the townscape of the Edo period still remains Richly preserved, making it an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. It is attractive that you can enjoy the unique scenery and history that other Castle Towns do not have. In particular, the structure that developed in the form of Samurai residences lined up on the north and south and sandwiched between the Merchant Town in the center is rare in Japan. This unique townscape of "Castle Town on the Slope" has become one of the reasons why many tourists have visited it in recent years. 【Popular Sightseeing spots in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki Castle Kitsuki Castle, a symbol of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, is said to be the smallest Castle Keep in No.1 in Japan, but its charm is said to be a Castle Town with a compact but unusual shape with historical value. From the high ground of the castle, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Castle Town cityscape and Seto Inland Sea, giving Visitors Impression. The castle is Open to the public as a Museum and is recommended for history buffs and photography lovers. ◆Suya Slope, Shioya (Shihoya) Slope Slope with Samurai Residence and other townscapes reminiscent of the scenery of the Edo period. If you look down from the top of the slope or walk along the Stone pavement slope that connects the high ground, the scenery Unfolds as if you have traveled back in time. There are many tourists who rent kimonos and stroll around the city, and it is also famous as a photo Spot of the Kitsuki City Tourism Model Course. ◆Kitsuki Castle Shitamachi Area (Samurai Residence, Merchant Town) It is characterized by a castle town with a very rare topography in Japan, with a group of Samurai Residence Districts spreading out on the high ground from north to south and a merchant town spread out in the valley. At the Samurai Residence, you can also visiting the site architectural techniques and structures where you can learn about the lifestyles and construction techniques of the time, and the fun of learning about the historical background Unfolds. Souvenir shops and cafes are also scattered around, so you can enjoy a little Meals and shopping. ◆Ohara Residence It is known as a presence that represents a corner of the Samurai Residence, and the Charming Garden and the appearance of the old architecture make you feel the history of Kitsuki more deeply. Please think about the culture of the Castle Town and the lives of the people at that time. 【Kitsuki City's Traditional Culture and Crafts】 In Kitsuki City, traditions representative by samurai residences and Castle Town culture are inherited, while local festivals and performing arts rooted in the locals are also carefully preserved in various places. Especially in Kitsuki City, which is still deeply connected to kimono culture, you can enjoy the kimono experience. If you walk in a kimono to blend in with the Castle Town, you will feel as if you are the protagonist of a period drama. In addition, as a kimono Privileges, you can enter the cultural facilities for free, and there are services such as discounts at Privileges Subject shops, so you can stroll around at a great price. In particular, taking photos on Samurai Residence Street and Shioya Slope is sure to look good on social media. 【Gourmet food in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki tea / Kitsuki black tea Tea Production around Kitsuki City is characterized by its deep taste and refreshing aroma. In recent years, it is one of the few domestic black teas At cafes in the city, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets with Kitsuki tea and matcha. Why don't you spend a moment of travel while taking a break at a quaint café in Castle Town? ◆Mandarin oranges (citrus fruits) Kitsuki City is a Mandarin Oranges production area that boasts one of the highest productions in the prefecture. In addition, various varieties are also cultivation, so many people visit to coincide with the citrus season. ◆ Strawberries Kitsuki City is one of the one of the most strawberry-producing areas in Oita Prefecture, and High quality strawberries are cultivation that take advantage of the warm climate and rich nature environment. Varieties such as "Saga Honoka" and "Belitsu" are especially popular, and are characterized by a good balance of sweetness and acidity, rich Aroma and juiciness. Strawberry picking can also be enjoyed at the tourist farm, and it is popular with many people. ◆Hamo Oyster Kitsuki City is known as a fisheries for ducks, and Raised in the fast currents of the Bungo Water Channel, the ducks are characterized by their tight flesh and good fat. It is in season from summer to autumn, and you can enjoy its elegant taste with hot water and tempura. Oyster farming is also thriving, growing in nutrient-rich waters and having a rich umami and creamy texture. Especially in winter, when the Oyster Highway is in season! The store, which serves a variety of dishes such as grilled oysters and steamed oysters, is crowded with many customers. 【Introduction of Events and Festivals in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki Castle Festival (May) A traditional festival centered on the Castle Town area where Samurai parades and stage events are held like historical picture scrolls. Local residents and tourists will It will be a lot of fun! together. ◆Kitsuki Tenjin Festival (July) It is a 300-year-old festival held at Kitsuki Tenmansha Shrine and the Castle Town area, where dancers, drum drummers, mikoshi and festival floats parade through the town of Kitsuki. ◆ Kangetsu Festival (October) An event to enjoy Tea and the famous moon of mid-autumn in the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat of the Castle Town. Lights are lit in the Castle Town, and it is a festival that colors the autumn night in a very fantastic way. ◆Castle Town Kitsuki Walk and Hiina Tour (February ~ March) Hiina Meguri is held in for about one month. This is an Events around the Hina dolls displayed in Samurai residences and Machiya houses. In the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat full of Edo atmosphere, you can feel the arrival of Spring. 【Tourist Information of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City is an attractive town with a townscape full of history, beautiful Nature, and a food culture born from that Nature. Wear a kimono and walk around the Castle Town, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Why don't you experience such a special trip in Kitsuki City? Plenty of charm awaits your visit. In the next post, I will introduce Kitsuki that I couldn't write in this post!

Azaleas in full bloom in front of the palace The ruins of the former Saijo Domain Jinya (now Saijo Prefectural High School) The contrast between the azaleas at the edge of the moat and the water surface is attractive. From the end of this month, the irises will be in best time to visit. If there are no clouds, you can see Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. In the surrounding area, there is the modernist Ehime Folk Crafts Museum, the Township Museums, and the Glory Church, and the Otemon gate and stone walls from the Edo period are also and integrated into the cityscape. The edge of the moat is about 800 meters in circumference. It is recommended for walking. 〒793-0023 234 Akiyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture About a 20-minute walk from Iyo Saijo Station. (Bicycle rental is available at the sightseeing exchange center Soba the station) About 15 minutes by Car from Iyo Saijo IC, 7km. About 20 minutes by Car from Iyokomatsu IC, 11km.

Introducing an experiential tour you can take in Tokachi, Hokkaido😄 —The Nation’s Top Bean Town— Tofu-making Experience with Local Farm Wives in Honbetsu Town Located in Tokachi’s upland and mid-mountain area, Honbetsu Town enjoys large temperature swings and long hours of sunshine, making it Japan’s premier town for growing high-quality beans. To share the charm of these proud beans, the group called the Bean-Proud Farm Wives Association formed, bringing together farm wives who process and sell their harvest as tofu, deep-fried tofu, miso, and more. You will tour the production sites of soybeans, an indispensable ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and try traditional tofu-making alongside the farm wives. You will also try making farmer-style meals using okara (soy pulp) and local vegetables, guided by the mothers’ time-honored recipes. [Tour Schedule] 10:00 Meet at Ms. Yamada’s home, Bean-Proud Farm Wives Association 10:05 Visit the soybean field See the soybeans grown in a home garden plot and learn about growing tasty beans from Ms. Yamada’s many years of experience. 10:30 Move to Senbiricho Community Center for tofu-making experience Try the tofu-making methods the farm wives have passed down through generations. 12:00 Cooking experience: bean rice and okara salad Make miso soup with freshly made tofu and use the leftover okara to make an okara salad. 12:30 Lunch Enjoy lunch featuring bean rice made generously with Honbetsu beans. 13:30 Tour ends Operating period: July–October Time: 10:00–13:30 (about 3 hours 30 minutes) Group size: 3–12 people Price: Per person Adult JPY 8,800 *If English interpretation is requested, the fees are as follows. Per person Adult JPY 16,500 ■ Please make a reservation at least 14 days before your preferred date. ■ Due to guide availability and other reasons, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred date. Thank you for your understanding. This is a great opportunity to learn about agriculture and food production firsthand through traditional tofu-making with farm wives in a region known for excellent beans!! We hope this experience will spark new discoveries and values, enriching your lifestyle. We would be delighted if you could add a Tokachi experience to the pages of your travel memories😄 If you are interested, please visit the federation’s official website page "BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE — Journeys Connecting to Tokachi, the Source of Food"! Contact Kuna Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

\Echizen's Kiln Artist Exhibition, Held in! ／ There are many pottery makers in Fukui Prefecture, mainly in Echizen Town. Would you like to know more about the work, commitment, personality, etc. of such potters? At the Cultural Exchange Hall in Echizen Pottery Village, an exhibition of works "Echizen potters" is being held in, which exhibits the works of potters in the prefecture. Please take a look at the works that express "now" along with the thoughts and unknown profiles of more than 50 potters! If there is a timing on the weekend, the potter will actually guide you ~. The exhibition will run until Sunday, March 16, 2025. Admission is free. ==================== Fukui "Ceramics" Network Exhibition 2025 ~Echizen no Kilns~ Date: March 1 (Sat) ~ March 16 (Sun), 2025 Venue: Echizen Ceramics Village Cultural Exchange Center (https://www.town-echizen.jp/spot/spot01Detail.php?id=434)... Fee: Free admission Time: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. ====================

◎ Duty-free shop in Echizen Town where you can buy Echizen pottery The number of foreign tourists is gradually increasing in Fukui Prefecture. Even in Echizen Town, the number of people seeking Echizen pottery and Echizen crab is increasing day by day. Therefore, when you come from far away and buy Souvenirs that you like, a nice service is the TAX FREE shop. Until now, there was not a single registered facility in Echizen Town, but finally the first registered facilities! Two facilities registered this time are Furai Kiln, the Echizen pottery kiln, and Fukui Prefectural Pottery Museum. I would like to Broadcasting the charm of Echizen Pottery to the world and Spread people who like Echizen Pottery to the world! ◎ Furai kiln https://www.instagram.com/furaigama/... With the theme of Nature and living creatures, we create vessels that look like the world of a warm Picture book.　 We value the simplicity and warmth of the soil of Echizen, and try to make the tableware moderately light and palatable so that it can be used in daily life. ◎ Fukui Prefectural Ceramics Museum https://www.instagram.com/tougeikan/... Fukui Prefectural Pottery Museum is a museum of Echizen pottery. We will introduce a documents museum where you can see and learn about Echizen pottery, a pottery class where you can make and enjoy it, a tea garden that you can use and taste, a museum shop, and nature in the Seasonal Nature.

Mystery-Solving Event at Gion Shrine On Saturday, February 22, a mystery-solving event took place at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district 👏 The event was titled “Gion Shrine Real Mystery: ‘As the Gods Say’” 💡 Local high school students from Gokase Secondary School led the planning, collaborating with local company Gokase Entertainment and the Kuraoka Lovers Women’s Group to prepare the event 😳✨ Participants of all ages gathered, and the shrine grounds rang with lively voices 🤗🎶 The puzzles were quite difficult until a spark of insight or a discovery occurred… I tried hard to solve them but couldn’t in the end 🤣 I had to borrow the children’s wisdom, haha As we solved the puzzles, we learned the correct way to worship at Gion Shrine 😯💡 I had no idea about those customs, so the many new discoveries were great fun 🤩 After finishing the puzzles, participants faced a two-part showdown with the gods played by Gokase Secondary School students ⚔️ The first part, “Sengoku Gokase Town,” was a game in which players spent their held points to approach the god; the winner was the one who first knocked the bead off the god’s shoulder with a sword 💪 In the second part, the winning prize from part one, a rope, was formed into a circle on the ground as a ring, and contestants challenged the god in a hand-push sumo match 👐 Both games excited adults and children alike, and smiles filled the event from start to finish 😆 After completing all stages, participants received a “Mystery Completion Certificate,” but looking closely revealed the certificates came in different colors…🤔? It turned out the hand-push sumo in part two mirrored the ceremonial sumo offered to entertain the gods during the Morimaki ritual held at Gion Shrine. Since the tradition holds that “the one who loses to the god is correct,” the completion certificates of those who lost the hand-push sumo gleamed in gold🤣 You could feel the students’ attention to detail throughout the setting, and it was wonderful 🥹✨ At the end, participants and students took a commemorative photo together, and warm tea provided by Yukihoshien was served as a participation prize, bringing the lively, friendly event to a close 😌👏 Seeing Gokase Town come alive through events created by students, local businesses, and community groups working together is truly moving 🥹 We hope the whole town continues to join forces to keep Gokase Town thriving ✨

Roadside Station Iwanai This year, Tamaru and Beniko’s Hina dolls are on display again at the counter 👏 When you stop by please take photos 😊

I started 🆕✨️ a Buckwheat noodles making experience at the Yamanouchi Town Planning Tourism Bureau You can experience Yamanouchi Town's traditional Soba noodles, [Sukagawa Buckwheat noodles)] while interacting with Local Soba (buckwheat noodles) masters! !️ What is Sukagawa Soba (buckwheat noodles)? It features Juwari Soba noodles that use the fibers of Oyamabokuchi leaves as a binder. Soba (buckwheat noodles) made with 100% Jiko flour has a strong waist and is good for the throat, and you can fully enjoy the flavor of Soba (buckwheat noodles). For reservations by Phone, please contact 📞 the Yamanouchi Town Planning and Tourism Bureau at least 3 days in advance. Tel. 0269-38-9191 Click here to make a reservation from the Internet ↓ https://www.kkday.com/ja/product/invalid/266894...

When it comes to introducing a country and its vibrant culture to newcomers at the airport, making thoughtful choices about what to showcase is essential because first impressions matter. During my recent trip, I stumbled upon Edo-koji, a charming Edo Market Place in the international terminal at Haneda Airport. The area is adorned with quaint, wooden shops that evoke the spirit of an Edo-era village, complete with a small stage that occasionally features captivating cultural displays. On this visit, I was drawn to a stunning pair of two-folded byōbu (folding screens) featuring an enchanting painting of the Wind God and Thunder God. This remarkable piece, crafted by the renowned Rinpa artist Ogata Kōrin, is a replica of an exquisite work by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, illustrating Raijin, the tempestuous god of lightning and storms, alongside Fūjin, the gentle god of wind. Honestly, what could be cooler than this? It’s a perfect representation of Japan’s rich artistic heritage right at the heart of the airport!