Kyoto Daikaku-ji is the headquarters of the Shingon sect located in Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The important cultural property, Ōsawa Pond, is said to have been a place where Heian aristocrats enjoyed boating, and its beautiful nature continues to captivate many people. I was captivated by the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of Ōsawa Pond. I strongly desired to capture the fantastical scenery created by its vibrant colors.

The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival ❚ Held on October 25, 2026 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival will take place at "Kagura no Sato Noba Park" in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The main feature, Ontake Kagura, is said to have begun with the establishment of Ontake Shrine in the first year of Hōtoku (1449). In 2007, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government. On the day of the event, six groups from various locations in the prefecture, including Ontake Kagura, are scheduled to perform. Food and beverage stalls will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing day from morning. Parking near the venue is limited, but on the day of the event, a free shuttle bus will operate back and forth from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station to the Kagura Hall (which has parking) and then to Noba Park. Be sure to witness the traditional dance of Kagura that has been passed down through generations. 【Date】Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM 【Location】Kagura no Sato Noba Park (Udaeda, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Performing Groups】 Ichinoya Riraku (Usuki City, Ichinoya) Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society (Ogata-cho, Bungoono City) Jōhara Kagura Preservation Society (Takeda City, Jōhara) Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society (Yufu City, Shonai-cho) Kiyokawa Children’s Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) 【Admission Fee】 Please pay at the entrance on the day of the event. ▶ Junior high school students and above: 500 yen (all seats unreserved) *Please refrain from reserving spots before the day of the event. 【Access to the Venue】 Parking near the venue is limited. A shuttle bus will operate from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station on the day, so please use it. 【Shuttle Bus (Free)】Operating back and forth between Bungo-Kiyokawa Station and the venue Bungo-Kiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (with parking) → Noba Park 【Inquiries about the Festival】 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival Executive Committee (Kiyokawa Branch, Bungoono City Hall) TEL: 0974-35-2111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on August 5, 2014. This is the wind chime for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, along with the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property.

The buildings at Manda Pit showcase the technology and ingenuity of the time. They include structures for operating large machinery, facilities connecting underground and above ground, and spaces that support the workers. By observing each element, one can understand that the coal mine was a collection of advanced technologies. It's not only fascinating for history enthusiasts but also offers considerable appeal to those interested in architecture and machinery. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Modern Industrial Heritage #History of Technology #Industrial Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Historical Architecture #Architecture Enthusiasts #Mechanical Heritage #Manda Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Engineering History #Arao City #Kumamoto Travel #Japan Travel #World Heritage #Visit Japan

Location: Former Ikeda Family Gardens, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture The Former Ikeda Family Gardens in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. This was the residence of the prominent landowner Ikeda family, and the Western-style building within the gardens is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The wet red colors quietly stand out, subtly adding to the history of this place. Nearby, you can also find the nationally designated historic site, Hotta-no-saku Ruins (remains of an ancient castle). Why not come to Akita this autumn and trace its history?

Location: Former Ikeda Family Gardens, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture The Former Ikeda Family Gardens in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, were the residence of the area's major landowner, the Ikeda family. The Western-style building within the gardens is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The wet reds and greens quietly stand out, adding a gentle touch to the history of this place. Nearby, you can also find the nationally designated historic site, Hotta-no-Saku Ruins (remains of an ancient castle). This autumn, why not come to Akita and trace its history?

Minase Shrine Address: 3-10-24 Hirose, Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture Nearest Station: Minase Station [East Exit], 12 minutes on foot Parking: Available, free Set in a beautiful landscape, the shrine features a guest hall built in the Shoin-zukuri style of the Momoyama period, a main hall established in the early Edo period, and the tea room known as Tōshintei. National treasures and important cultural properties related to Retired Emperor Go-Toba are also preserved here. Located north of the sacred gate, the roof is designed in the irimoya style, with sangawara roofing, wooden latticework on the gable, and umebachi kakegyo decorations. Built during the Taisho era, the front of the stone basin is inscribed with "dedicatory wash basin" (Hono Kansou), and the side is engraved with "Kosha". This water was selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment in 1985, being the only one in Osaka Prefecture. At the water collection area within Minase Shrine, many people visit daily from early morning to collect water, and there are constant reports of improvements in conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The shrine is cherished by many, and preservation activities are actively conducted.

Nomi Shrine Address: 6-6 Nomicho, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture Nearest station: Takatsuki Station [Exit 7], 7 minutes on foot Founded in the 9th century, it was originally located within Takatsuki Castle. It was also known as the shrine of Gozu Tenno, and it was highly revered by successive lords of the castle. The deities enshrined are Nomino Sukune and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and it is believed to have moved from the former Shikinai Shrine, Nomi Shrine, which was located near Jōgū Tenmangū. The Nagai Shrine, dedicated to Naokiyo, the first lord of the Takatsuki Domain, stands in the lush green grounds. Its main hall and karamon gate are designated cultural properties of the city, and votive plaques that evoke the appearance of the former Takatsuki Castle are offered.

The 13th Anji-kun Hometown Festival, which colors the summer of Shirataki in Engaru Town, will be held on August 22 (Saturday) and 23 (Sunday)! At the venue, we have a variety of events planned, including the popular annual attractions such as the "Tractor Pulling Competition" and the "Corn Peeling Contest," as well as "Yosakoi Performances" and fireworks from both inside and outside the town. Additionally, during this period, the Engaru Town Archaeological Center exhibition room will be open for special viewing, and visitors can enjoy the free exhibition of items excavated from the Shirataki archaeological site, designated as a national treasure. It's a two-day event filled with the charm of the local area. We invite you to come and create summer memories with your family and friends. We sincerely look forward to your visit! Event Date and Time: August 22, 2026 (Saturday) at 15:00, August 23 (Sunday) at 09:30 Location: 138-1 Shirataki, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido "Parking lot of Engaru Town Shirataki General Branch Office"

The former Satsuma Village chief's house – Shibuya Family Residence, a nationally registered tangible cultural property – Located in Nakazatsuma 1-chome, Kamagaya City, the Shibuya Family Residence is the birthplace of Shibuya Sōji, an important figure of the Akahōtai during the late Edo period. The Shibuya family has served as village chiefs for generations since the mid-Edo period, and their residence is a grand building befitting of a chief. The main house, built exactly 200 years ago in 1826 (Bunsei 9), is the oldest existing building in the city. Its large floor plan and tall roof make it a standout in the Satsuma District. The roof features thatched roofing covered with iron plates shaped like tiles, and upon entering and looking up at the ceiling, one can still see the thatch from the Edo period. A notable feature of the Shibuya Family Residence is that the main layout has remained unchanged since its construction. The entrance hall for welcoming guests, along with the inner rooms known as Nakano-ma and Oku-no-ma, have hardly been altered and retain their original appearance. The Tokonoma (alcove), display shelves, and attached writing alcove in Oku-no-ma have also not been remodeled, creating a space of high formality. The sturdy pillars, beams, and the kamidana (household shrine) in the living room still reflect the original construction, showcasing the traditional farmhouse layout that has continued since the Edo period. The Shibuya family possesses a "house layout diagram" drawn in 1848 (Kaei 1). This valuable document not only depicts the layout of the house but also includes images of the storehouse, shed, and household deity, conveying the conditions of the late Edo period. The fact that both the building and the diagram have been preserved together is extremely valuable. Comparing the diagram with the current state reveals that the land divisions are accurately depicted, and the layout of the buildings remarkably matches the current floor plan. The building has remained largely unchanged since its construction and has been continuously inhabited, evidencing the Shibuya family's dedication to preserving this home. Furthermore, it retains the traditional landscape of a settlement built along the base of a plateau facing the highway. The depiction of the plateau in the diagram reflects the original scenery of the Satsuma settlement that still exists today. Over the years, the Shibuya Family Residence has suffered some damage. Future plans include preservation and repair work, seismic reinforcement, and renovations for community use, aiming to develop it into a place of relaxation for the region. For more details, please check the city’s website! 【Cultural and Sports Division】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kosodate-kyouiku/kyoikuindex/bunka_menu/sibuyakemaruya.html...

[Traditional Event] Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine in Kanbayashi Every July, the Satokagura is offered to pray for the peace of the Kanbayashi District. It has also been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the city. The Satokagura is said to have been continued since the Kamakura period, but it was interrupted once after World War II. In the 1950s, local people revived this important ritual, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kagura Preservation Society. The Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine will be offered tomorrow. Offering Date and Time: July 12, 2023 (Sunday) From 1:00 PM, the ritual Around 1:30 PM, the Kagura offering After that, there will be a children's sumo tournament and mochi throwing. *There is no parking available at the shrine. #Toon City #Kanbayashi District #Satokagura #Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine #Intangible Folk Cultural Property #Traditional Event #Kamibayashi Kagura Preservation Society #Kagura Offering

Nogi Hofmann Hall, located in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a place where visitors can observe a brick kiln. Next to it, a row of dawn redwoods continues. In the evening, it is illuminated, offering a wonderful view. I was moved when the pathway turned red with fallen leaves. I believe it is a hidden gem that is not widely known.

Matsuo Taisha 3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture There is a parking space for visitors at Matsuo Taisha. The gate, worship hall, and main shrine are lined up. It is known as the god of sake, and there is a spring called Kame no I. The treasure hall houses three important cultural properties, statues of male and female deities. At Matsuo Taisha, the Chawa-kuguri (passing through the ring of sedge) is performed along with the June Great Purification, known as Natsu-goshi no Harae. Every year on June 30th, the "Oharai-shiki" ceremony takes place, where it is customary to pass through the ring of sedge on the shrine grounds to pray for good health and safety for the household.  Meaning of Chawa-kuguri By passing through the large ring made of kaya (sedge), this ritual purifies the sins and impurities accumulated unknowingly over the past six months, praying for a healthy remaining half of the year. It is also often introduced as a representative scene of the Natsu-goshi no Harae in Kyoto.

Built in 1910, Kourakukan is a theater located in Kosakamachi, Akita Prefecture. While there are several theaters that remain as Important Cultural Properties, Kourakukan is one of the few that still hosts regular performances and is actively used today. "A building truly comes alive when it's in use." Although I can't include photos from the performances due to copyright restrictions, it's heartwarming to know that even grandparents have their favorite performers! This facility is a source of enjoyment for the townspeople—"that's why we can preserve it." Overall, it was a place that left a positive impression.

When visiting Manda Pit, pay attention to the layout of the buildings. The tatekouyagura, hoist room, coal mine electric train, and exhibition facilities each seem to exist separately, yet they all played a role within the larger structure of the coal mine. As you walk around the entire site, you will gradually see the flow of digging, transporting, and supporting coal. 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 210 yen / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Miike Coal Mine #Coal Mine Structure #Industrial Heritage #Historical Walks #Modern Industrial Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Educational Trips #MandaCoalMine #Arao City #Industrial Heritage #World Heritage #Japanese History #Kumamoto Travel #Visit Japan #Japan Travel

Manda Pit is a place where you can feel the history of coal mining that continued through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. Today, it is a quiet historical site, but in the past, coal was mined and transported here, supporting many jobs that contributed to local life and Japan's industry. By walking around and observing the remaining buildings and equipment, you can experience a history that textbooks alone cannot convey. Why not add a touch of intellectual time to your trip to Kumamoto Prefecture North? 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Fees: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and middle school students 210 yen / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Arao City Tourism #Kumamoto Prefecture North #Miike Coal Mine #History of Coal Mining #Industrial Culture #Educational Travel #MandaCoalMine #Arao #Kumamoto #JapanHistory #WorldHeritageSite #IndustrialHeritage #VisitKumamoto #JapanTrip

#Unraveling Sakai: Ohtori Taisha Main Hall One‑Lap Guided Tour⛩️✨ Usually you can only worship the main hall from the front, but this time you can view it from the sides and even from the rear… Join a rare guided tour that lets you walk all the way around the main hall while offering prayers! This is a luxurious chance to hear a direct explanation from the gonnengi (senior shrine assistant) about the main hall and the sacred gate, which were newly designated tangible cultural properties by Sakai City in April 2025. After feeling the weight of history up close, you will receive a tour‑exclusive “seasonal goshuin” (seal) 🌸 Spend a special moment in the serene atmosphere of the sacred precincts. 📅 Dates and times: ・Friday, March 20 — 11:00 AM ・Saturday, March 21 — 2:00 PM 📍 Meeting place: Ohtori Taisha Ema‑do Hall 💰 Participation fee: ¥1,500 (includes the seasonal goshuin; cash only) ✅ No reservation required (about 30 people per session; first come, first served on the day) 🔍For details, search “Unraveling Sakai 2026”! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

"Railways Across the Sea: Miracles of the Tracks Connecting to the World" The railway linking Nagahama, Tsuruga, and Minami-Echizen Town, along with the railway-related culture, has been registered as a Japan Heritage. List of Japan Heritage cultural properties in Minami-Echizen Town ・Yamanaka Tunnel ・Dead End Tunnel ・Yamanaka Signal Station Remains ・Yamanaka Rock Jet ・Oto Station Remains ・Yuoo Tunnel ・Imajo Soba ・Imajo Station Water Tower and Coal Supply Facility ・Imajo-shuku Post Town What is Japan Heritage? Japan Heritage is a designation by the Agency for Cultural Affairs that recognizes stories conveying Japan's culture and traditions through the historical attractions and distinctive features of a region. (Excerpted from the Japan Heritage portable site)

The Nakamura family built great wealth as owners of cargo-buying ships. The Nakamura House is a large mansion of a Kitamaebune shipowner, featuring a distinctive estate layout and a three-story guestroom wing. It has been open to the public since April 2024. Can you feel the history and romance of the Kitamaebune captains who endured and thrived on the majestic Sea of Japan?

"Akariyanse" Around October, it takes place centered on Ukon House, the Kitamaebune Shipowners' Residence. The event lights up the area around Ukon House with LED candles and andon lanterns. The fantastic lights decorate Kono Kitamaebune Shipowners' Street, letting visitors enjoy an atmosphere different from usual.

Imajō-juku is a post town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Its stone-paved streets and rows of white-walled houses evoke history and offer a tranquil ambiance. It holds high cultural value and has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Hands-on tourism is plentiful, including soba noodle-making experiences and guided town walks. Nearby you will find a museum, cafés, and lodging in renovated traditional houses, where you can enjoy a graceful time steeped in history. Access A five-minute walk from Happy Line Fukui Imajō Station / a 10-minute drive from the Hokuriku Expressway Imajō IC https://www.minamiechizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/imajojuku-guidemap-en.pdf...

Bokumaisen Shipowners Street⚓ Bokumaisen Shipowners Street is a historic lane centered on the Ukon and Nakamura families, who amassed great wealth as coastal cargo ship owners. Eleven cities and towns with connections to the Bokumaisen shipping tradition have been designated a Japan Heritage site.👏 In Minami-Echizen Town’s Kono area, the cultural properties that form the Japan Heritage story include the Ukon House, the Former Ukon Residence Western-Style House, and the Nakamura Residence. Each residence is open to the public. Inside the Ukon House, exhibits recreate merchant life and display materials that introduce the trade routes of the time, creating a space history lovers will relish. Perched on the hill behind the main house, the Former Ukon Residence Western-Style House was built as the Ukon family’s villa and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. You can spot modern touches throughout the building. The Nakamura Residence is a large-scale shipowner estate featuring a distinctive layout and a three-story tatami room. Every building shows careful craftsmanship, and each offers a different architectural style to explore. Enjoy the unique landscape shaped by the lifestyle and livelihoods of Kono in Minami-Echizen Town. You can feel the romantic history of the Bokumaisen shipowners who bravely made their living on the vast Sea of Japan. Address: 2-15 Kono, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture TEL: 0778-48-2196 Opening hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays and December 29–January 3 Access By car (From the Kansai and Chukyo regions) ・About 20 minutes via Route 305 from the Hokuriku Expressway Nanjo Smart I.C. ・About 40 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway Tsuruga I.C., head north on Route 8, take the Echizen–Kono Shiokaze Line, then Route 305. (From Ishikawa and Fukui) ・About 20 minutes via Route 305 from the Hokuriku Expressway Nanjo Smart I.C. ・About 30 minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway Takefu I.C., head south on Route 8, then take Route 305 from the Sakurabashi intersection. By train From Happy Line Takefu Station or Echizen Railway Takefu Station, take the Fukutetsu Bus Ojiho–Kono Line for about 40 minutes, or a taxi for about 30 minutes.

Minamiechizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture, located almost in the center of Fukui Prefecture, is a town where sea, mountains, and countryside blend together and where history and culture live on. The town covers about 344 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 9,000 people (as of May 2025), offering abundant nature and a peaceful way of life. Minamiechizen was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nanjo Town, Imajo Town, and Kono Village, and each area contributes its own character and attractions. Stretching north to south, Minamiechizen presents a variety of living landscapes, from coastal settlements to mountain farming villages, each rooted in its own culture and customs. Along the coastline you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Japan, and inland you can see satoyama landscapes woven from mountains and clear streams! Minamiechizen is also known as a region that preserves Japan’s original rural scenery, where you can experience a lifestyle in harmony with nature as it changes through the four seasons. In the tranquil rice-growing areas, agricultural experiences such as rice planting and harvesting are popular and delight many visitors.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Minamiechizen Town Tourism Federation. Minamiechizen Town in Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture, sits almost at the geographic center of Fukui Prefecture. The town blends sea, mountains, and countryside, and its history and culture are still alive. Formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nanjo Town, Imajo Town, and Kono Village, the area preserves many distinctive local charms. Along the coast you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, while inland the satoyama landscape unfolds with mountains and clear streams. Minamiechizen Town is also known for preserving a picture of traditional Japan, where seasonal nature and everyday life live in harmony. In the peaceful rice fields visitors can try agricultural experiences such as rice planting and harvesting, which are popular with many tourists. Access to Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture By car it takes about five minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart Interchange, making access from the highway extremely convenient. You can also use the JR Hokuriku Main Line at Imajo Station and Nanjou Station, making rail travel from the Kansai and Chukyo regions comfortable. From Nagoya or Osaka it takes about two to three hours by car or train, so a day trip is ideal. At Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi you can rent electric bicycles, making a relaxed cycling tour of Minamiechizen Town a popular option. About Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Minamiechizen Town belongs to Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture. Its area is about 344 square kilometers and its population is around 9,000 (as of May 2025), offering rich nature and a tranquil lifestyle. Stretching north to south, the town ranges from coastal settlements to mountain farming villages, each with distinct cultures and customs. Local residents actively engage in tourism, agriculture, and crafts, drawing attention from many visitors. Historical background of Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture From ancient through medieval and early modern times, Minamiechizen Town developed as an important hub for transportation and logistics. The Imajo area prospered as a post town on the Hokkokukaido during the Edo period, welcoming many travelers and merchants. Stone-paved streets and latticed houses remain, recalling the bustle of those days. The Kono area flourished as a port for Kitamae ships plying the Sea of Japan, and buildings that reflect the wealthy merchants’ lifestyles still stand. These historical assets are preserved today as the town’s cultural properties. Popular sightseeing spots in Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Hanahasu Park In summer about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a serene and elegant scene. The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and the annual Hasu Festival draws many visitors. You can also enjoy lotus-themed gourmet items and local specialties. Imajo-shuku Post Town This post town preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. Stone-paved streets and white-walled houses evoke history and offer a peaceful ambiance. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it has high cultural value. Hands-on experiences like soba noodle making and guided town walks are available. Nearby you will find museums, cafés, and accommodations in renovated traditional houses where you can enjoy a refined stay soaked in history. Kitamae Ship Owner's House Ukonke The Ukonke residence, once home to a wealthy Kitamae ship merchant in the Edo period, is open to the public. Inside, exhibits recreate merchant life and present materials about historic trade routes, creating a must-see space for history enthusiasts. Yashaga-ike This mountain lake carries a mysterious legend and sits at the end of a nature-rich trekking route. Located at about 1,100 meters elevation, the lake is clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage are beautiful, offering different scenery each season. The trail is well maintained, and lookout spots along the way offer panoramic views of Echizen’s mountain ranges. Roadside station in Minamiechizen Town Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi represents the town and is a large complex combining a tourist information center, local product shops, restaurants, and rest areas. Conveniently accessible from both the expressway and local roads, the station includes an indoor kids’ area, a dog run, and EV charging stations, and is popular with many visitors. Fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms and Minamiechizen-specific souvenirs are also on sale. Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minamiechizen Town Imajo Soba (oroshi soba) A classic Fukui specialty. Served with grated daikon and broth, its light, refreshing flavor is perfect for hot seasons. Beni-sashi Ume A specialty plum grown in the Kono area, it balances sweet and tart flavors and is popular as umeboshi or plum wine and other processed products. Harvest experiences and plum-based cooking classes are held, and these activities are valued as food education. Events and festivals in Minamiechizen Town Kono Ume Festival Held every June, this local festival celebrates the plum harvest. You can enjoy plum-picking experiences and purchases of local processed goods, and food trucks also set up, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Imajo Soba Festival A celebration of soba where soba shops from inside and outside the town serve their dishes so visitors can compare Imajo Soba’s variety of flavors. Soba-making demonstrations and workshops introduce and promote the town’s food culture. Kono Summer Festival Typically held in late July at Korakujo Beach, this festival is a summer highlight for Minamiechizen Town. The finale lights up the night sky and sea with around 5,600 fireworks, drawing many visitors. Stalls and festival games line the area, making it a perfect event for summer memories. Tourist information for Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Minamiechizen Town charms visitors with its historic streets and abundant nature. We will continue to share plenty of information that brings the town’s seasonal landscapes, rooted food culture, and warm local hospitality to life, so you can carry Minamiechizen Town with you into tomorrow! Thank you very much!!

Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Sakaebashi" 🌉 Completed in 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 13 of this year. Every time you cross this historic bridge, you can sense the passage of the local community. 💭 Sakaebashi exists as a familiar part of the scenery that represents Sakuhomachi. Come and feel the town's history for yourself—be sure to visit at least once. 🫧🦋

\ Go with foreigners! Echizen Town Crab & History and Culture Monitor Tour/ I participated in a monitor tour Held in for foreigners in Echizen Town on March 15th. This monitor tour was planned to let people from overseas know about Echizen Town. Echizen Town has many historical places such as Echizen Crab and Echizen Pottery. I would like many foreigners to visit as a place where they can get to know Japan deeply. The monitor tour was attended by 10 foreigners from the prefecture. We will go sightseeing in Echizen Town for one day, and actually experience and listen to stories. All the foreigners who participated live in Fukui and speak Japanese well. There were people who could understand Japanese without an interpreter. So, all the explanations are in Japanese. There were some technical words, but everyone listened attentively. The tour starts from Echizen Coast. Unfortunately, I was not able to see the Echizen Crab auction that I had planned, but the "Echizen Morning Market Ka Thanksgiving Festival" is being held in. The Echizen Morning Market is an Events Held in at the Roadside Station Echizen where you can enjoy seafood and snow crab, mainly at fresh fish shops. Next, Visiting the site of the Echizen Crab Museum across the street. You can see the tools and history necessary for fishing in the paintings, the actual Echizen crabs and the creatures that live on the Echizen Coast. There is not much explanation in English, but since you can see the real thing, anyone can easily enjoy it. You can learn about the goodness and ecology of Echizen Crab, so you can learn a lot. Snow crab dish for lunch! I want many people to enjoy the unique taste of Echizen Town. After lunch, go to Tsurugi Shrine. Tsurugi Shrine is a shrine related to the Oda Nobunaga clan. I would recommend this place to foreigners who like Warlords. It may have been quite difficult to talk about Japanese gods appearing in shrines. However, there is no doubt that it is a story that is difficult to hear. We Visiting the site of a clay factory that makes clay, which is indispensable for Echizen pottery, and listened in detail to the story of the soil of Echizen pottery. The soil used for Echizen pottery is from Echizen. Echizen pottery is made from the soil stage. In the past, soil was harvested even in rice fields, but after a long time, it is said that it is mainly taken from the mountains. The soil is a blend of three types. There are fine, coarse, and in-between, and it seems that they use different things depending on the work, but it was a vacation and there were few machines moving, so it was difficult to and it. However, it was a very valuable experience to be able to walk around the factory. The story of how the factory is devising ways to lead to the SDGs so that there is as little waste as possible is easy for foreigners to get used to. Next, we went to the Ancient Kiln Museums. The Ancient Kiln Museum is Located in Echizen Pottery Village. Thereare I have been to the pottery Village many times, but this was the first time I entered. You will be guided inside with commentary. The Museums has two floors. On the first floor, there are many pottery items that show the history of Echizen pottery. Many Documents by Professor Kuemon Water, a leading researcher on Echizen ancient kilns, are also on display. The first pottery was Sueware, which came from the Korean Peninsula. It reminded me of a Japan history class. The oldest Echizen pottery is said to be around 900 years old. Echizen pottery is one of the six ancient kilns. It is said that the six ancient kilns refer to pottery that has continued from the Heian period to the present day. Other Famous dishes include Bizen ware and Tamba ware. It is said that some foreigners are touring the six ancient kilns. I enjoyed listening to explanations such as "What was the jar used for?" with quizzes. Pottery for preserving Sake and grain seeds is obvious to Japan people, but foreigners seem to have a different perspective and it. The transition of Echizen pottery is very interesting for us to see. By all means, when you visit, please take your time and feel the changes of your own and other generations. Finally, we went to the Echizen Pottery Hall. After learning about the soil and history, seeing the latest Echizen pottery works became more interesting and even more interesting. Everyone enjoyed shopping for Echizen pottery. There was also an ochoko that took advantage of the tenacity of Echizen pottery. By making it thinner, it is possible to carry Sake to the tip of the tongue, where it is easy to feel the taste of Sake. There was also a Gacha Gacha where you can enjoy Echizen Pottery very fun and at a great price. Gacha Gacha is also booming among foreigners. In addition to winning ochoko and capsule-sized Echizen pottery, there is also the possibility that the jackpot is a tea bowl. I'm happy to win any of them. The Swiss kid who was taking on the challenge right away got a chopstick rest and a chopstick. A one-day tour of Echizen Town. Everyone was having a lot of fun. I was very happy that it was also a time when I could get to know Japan more deeply. I hope that more foreigners will visit and enjoy Echizen Town in the future.

\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.

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Suigo Sawara Tourism Association. Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, located in the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture, is a town that flourished as a transit point for water transportation on the Tone River. There is a history of developing the culture transmitted from Edo as Sawara's unique culture. The remnants of the traditional Traditional Japanese straw raincoat of that time still remain along the Ono River Coast and Katori Kaido, and you can experience the atmosphere of good old Japan In December 1996 (Heisei 8), it was selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" for the first time in the Kanto region. It is also known as the town where Ino Tadataka, who created the map of Japan during the Edo period, lived. ◆Introduction of sightseeing spots in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ ◇ Katori Jingu Shrine It is the Sohonzan of about 400 Katori Shrines throughout Japan. In the vast Precincts called Katori Forest, there are sacred cedar trees and old cedars with a circumference of about 10 meters that are 1,000 years old. During the season when hundreds of cherry trees are in bloom, many cherry blossom viewers visit. ◇Suwa Shrine It is a shrine located on a Hilltop, a 5-minute walk from Sawara Station, and enshrines the god of industrial development, the god of wisdom, and the god of God of higher education. The Suwa Shrine Autumn Festival, held every year in October, features 14 festival floats parade through the town. ◇Townscape of Sawara Buildings from the Edo period still remain in the town, and 13 buildings designated as prefectural designated cultural properties are lined up along the Ono River and along the Katori Kaido. It is a reminder of the lively life of the merchants of the past. ◇Roadside Station Mizu no Sato Sawara Popular agricultural products from Products from Sawara are lined up. Processing products and specialty products using local products are also popular as souvenirs. Served at local "SPF pork" tonkatsu, curry and Udon noodles at the food court, which is lined with four shops. ◇Ino Tadataka Memorial Museum Ino Tadataka, who surveyed and walked around Japan during the Edo period and created the first measured map of Japan, lived and worked in Sawara. Ino Tadataka Memorial Museum is a Museum whose achievements can be traced. The 2,345 documents left by Ino Tadataka are designated as National Treasures. ◇Koedo Sawara Boat Tour The boat tour, where you can see the historic townscape of Sawara, allows you to spend a relaxing time while immersing yourself in the history of Sawara. It takes about 30 minutes, and you can also enjoy a Boatman's guide. ◆Specialty products of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ The fertile soil of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, nurtures a variety of agricultural products such as rice, Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwifruit, carrots, and green onions. These fresh flavors enrich the food culture of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. ◆Festivals and Events in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ ◇Sawara Grand Festival Summer Festival, Sawara Grand Festival Autumn Festival The Sawara Grand Festival Summer Festival, held every year in July, is the Gion Festival at Yasaka Shrine, which has a history of 300 years, and the Sawara Grand Festival Autumn Festival, held every year in October, is the Gion Festival at Suwa Shrine. There are 10 festival float cars for the summer festival and 14 for the autumn festival, parade the town. The festival float is decorated with Japanese One of the largest dolls with Made-up story such as carp and falcon, and weighs 3 to 4 tons and is 7 meters high It is called one of the three major float festivals in Kanto's 3 major float festivals, and is also designated as an important Intangible folk cultural asset of Japan. ◆Charm of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ Enjoy the cityscape where you can feel like you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. In Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, feel the history, nature and culture. Best regards at COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended information on Sawara, Katori City!

📍Momosuke Bridge and the shopping street in front of the station Momosuke Bridge serves as a symbolic bridge of Nagiso, regularly used by local students from Sonan High School and neighborhood residents ✨ The snow-covered Momosuke Bridge looks powerful and striking. After continuous snowfall since last night, the whole town has turned into a silver world! You can enjoy the winter scenery ❄