🌸✨Springtime in Nobeoka✨🌸 “Konohana Walk” is coming! Stroll along the Konohana Road on the Gokase River embankment, where 300 cherry trees and one million rapeseed flowers bloom in a riot of color🚶‍♀️🌼 At the gourmet and souvenir area, savor Nobeoka’s proud seafood and mountain delicacies and experience spring in Nobeoka with all five senses!!😋 🌟There’s plenty more to see and do! ・Hands-on experiences and displays by the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ・About 1,000 pinwheels lovingly made by junior high students ・Authentic matcha enjoyed amid the flowers🍵 ・Giant inflatable play area and craft workshops 🎤On the special stage, enjoy regional performing arts and a lively lineup of performances! Also‼️ 🔥The “Makoto Nagano Athletic Challenge” runs at the same time🔥 Can you clear the obstacles~!?💪 And in March… 🌸Waiwai Flower Tale 2026🌸 Enjoy the magical cherry blossom light-up and reward yourself with treats at the Waiwai Gourmet Fair✨ Everyone— We’re waiting for you in Nobeoka this spring!🌸 -————————— 🌸Konohana Walk & Nobeoka Delicious Food Market 📅Date: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2026 ⏰10:00–16:00 📍Venue: Gokase River embankment ▶ Saturday 21 Children’s performing arts stage & Nobeoka song stage ▶ Sunday 22 Nobeoka traditional performing arts stage ※Photos are from last year’s event ※Start times and performers may change -————————— 📺Presented by Cable Media Waiwai “Waiwai Flower Tale 2026” 📅Date: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, April 5, 2026 📍Location: Nobeoka Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park (Kita-Ote Gate to Honmaru Square) ・Cherry blossom light-up ・Upcycled art exhibition and more Light-up: 18:30–21:30 (held rain or shine) ※Event dates may change depending on cherry blossom conditions -————————— 🍴🌸Waiwai Gourmet Fair🌸🍴 📅Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00–16:00 📍Location: Nobeoka Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park (Ninomaru Plaza) ※Held in light rain / canceled in severe weather ※On the day of the gourmet fair 🚌Free shuttle bus between Aeon Nobeoka and the event area is planned (9:30–16:30) https://nobeokahanamonogatari.net/home2025/...

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Must-try ingredients in Shimanto City! [Part 1] Shimanto City offers so many recommended ingredients that it’s impossible to pick just one. Everything harvested from its rich nature is delicious. You can enjoy the river’s bounty, the sea’s offerings, and the mountains’ and countryside’s produce—experiencing Shimanto’s food culture and local cuisine. ○ River bounty from the Shimanto River: “Wild Eel” ・How to tell wild eel apart One way to distinguish wild eel from farmed eel is by the color of the belly. Wild eels spend long lives living on riverbeds and in holes in natural environments. When they feed or escape predators, they often rub their bellies against the river bottom, which can make the belly appear yellow. Because they get plenty of exercise, wild eels are muscular and have a firm texture with a clean, light fat and a concentrated eel flavor. Their girth is often larger than that of farmed eel. ・Delicious ways to enjoy wild eel Thick wild eel grilled over charcoal develops a fragrant, crisp skin and a springy, meaty texture. Popular preparations include kabayaki with sauce and shiroyaki seasoned simply with salt. The liver is used in clear soups, and the bones can be deep-fried. ・Eel fishing Shimanto River’s wild eel are caught by traditional methods such as ishiguro fishing and korobashi fishing, making them a valued local brand ingredient. Wild eel have become scarce in recent years, making them precious. The wild eel season runs from April to September. ・Glass-eel fishing Glass eels, the juvenile eels caught near the Shimanto River, are used for aquaculture. Nighttime glass-eel fishing in winter, lit by attracting lights, creates a magical scene. ○ Farmed eel with a near-wild taste ・How to tell farmed eel apart Farmed eel grow in environments without predators and eat steadily, so their bellies are white and their flesh is tender. They rarely move vigorously or rub against the riverbed, so they grow cleanly. With less exercise than wild eel, farmed eel often carry richer fat. ・Farming Eel farmed in Shimanto approaches the qualities of wild eel, offering resilient skin and firm, meaty thick flesh with a satisfying chew. The fat provides a light, savory richness. ○ A gift from the Shimanto River: “Wild Sweetfish (Ayu)” ・Two names for ayu Ayu often die after about one year and are called “year fish.” Because they feed mainly on riverbed algae, they have a pleasant aroma and are also known as “fragrant fish.” The taste of ayu varies with the river they grow up in. Wild ayu raised in clear rivers and fed high-quality algae are said to have a scent reminiscent of watermelon or cucumber; the wild ayu of the Shimanto River have a rich river fragrance worthy of the name “fragrant fish.” ・Wild ayu Because they scrape algae off stones with their teeth, ayu have developed front teeth and a pointed mouth. They take on a yellowish hue, a moist texture, and a firm belly. ・Delicious ways to enjoy ayu Salt-grilled ayu, which highlights the ingredient, is a classic preparation. Removing the tail, holding the head, and pulling out the bones makes it easy to eat neatly. The post-spawning “ochi-ayu” in December–January, when fat has dropped, is locally enjoyed as a light salt simmer. Other preparations include kanroni (sweet-simmered whole fish) that soften head and bones, and uruka, a salted-fermented ayu innards condiment—among many local ways to eat ayu. ・Ayu fishing Shimanto River still preserves traditional fishing methods such as tomogake (friend-hook) fishing, net fishing, and hiburi (torch) fishing. The wild ayu seasons are June to October 15 and December to January. ○ Springy texture: Shimanto River shrimp Three species of river shrimp inhabit the Shimanto River: tenaga shrimp, hirate (Yamato) tenaga shrimp, and southern tenaga shrimp. Males are notable for claws that can exceed their body length. ・Delicious ways to enjoy river shrimp River shrimp around 3–10 cm long are delicious deep-fried or salt-grilled and eaten whole with the shell for a toasty flavor. Locally, shrimp dashi is used to cook with cucumber or added to somen noodles. ・River shrimp fishing Shimanto River shrimp are caught using traditional methods like korobashi fishing and shibazuke fishing. With prior reservation, visitors can try easy shrimp-fishing experiences. The natural river shrimp season is May to August. ○ Shimanto River crab: Tsugani (Mokuzugani) Tsugani (also called mokuzugani) move downstream in late summer to early autumn to spawn. Although their edible meat is limited, their rich miso (crab paste) is exquisite. ・Delicious ways to enjoy tsugani Tsugani are enjoyed in dishes like tsugani soup, salted boiling, tsugani rice, and local specialties such as gane miso, celebrated as an autumn delicacy. ・Tsugani fishing Fishing methods include crab-basket fishing, where baited baskets are submerged and lifted the next morning, and flow-trap fishing that sets baskets along tsugani migration routes. The natural tsugani season runs from August to October. ○ Local snack: Shimanto gori Gori is a general name for freshwater gobies; in Shimanto City it mainly refers to juvenile gobies such as numachichibu. ・Delicious ways to enjoy gori Gori are deep-fried, simmered in sweet soy-based tsukudani, or locally cooked with finely chopped dried daikon wrapped in egg and served over rice as gori don. ・Gori fishing Fishing begins in March as the river warms and spring approaches. The main method uses the gobies’ habit of moving along the riverbed—nobori-otoshi ue fishing. Another local technique, gara-hiki fishing, has pairs pull a rope with shells attached from upstream to downstream; the clattering shells scare the gobies into traps. The natural gori season is March to May. ○ Fragrant green seaweed: aonori (sujiaonori) ・Delicious ways to enjoy aonori Aonori is dried into powder for use in many dishes and is also used in confections to take advantage of its aroma. ・Harvesting aonori The Shimanto River is one of the country’s leading producers of natural sujiaonori. In winter, you can see people scrape the seaweed that grows on estuarine stones with comb-like tools and sun-dry it. Aonori’s prime season is December to May. ・Delicious ways to enjoy aosa nori Aosa nori grown in the Shimanto River is highly fragrant and very tender. It serves as a base for nori tsukudani, is used for tempura, and is added to soups. ・Harvesting aosa nori From winter through spring, aosa nori cultivated on hibinetsu nets in the estuarine area near the Shimanto River mouth is harvested. The prime season for aosa nori is February to May.

Use the Zenkoji Omotesando Walk-and-Taste Ticket to enjoy sweets at a great value ✨ 1. “Koi-yaki and Matcha Set” Fujita Kuemon Shoten Enjoy koi-shaped pastries called koi-yaki along with a bowl of matcha, rather than the usual tai (sea bream) shape. Koi-yaki made with seasonal ingredients are also popular. Phone: 026-219-2293 Hours: 6:30 until sold out Winter hours (Dec–Feb): 7:00 until sold out Closed: Irregular holidays 2. “100% Apple Juice” Shinshu Monzen Bakery Kura The shop is a renovated storehouse over 120 years old next to Zenkoji Daikanjin Temple, offering a calm, welcoming space. We also recommend their high-quality breads made with domestic wheat. Phone: 050-8883-6606 Hours: 10:00–16:00 Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday 3. “Nagano Apple Pie” PATISSERIE Ringo no Ki Nagano Ekimae Located right in front of the Nagano Station intersection, the shop is extremely easy to reach. They offer a wide selection of Nagano-flavored confections and fresh Western-style pastries. Phone: 026-227-1222 Hours: 9:00–19:00 Closed: None (closed only on January 1) 4. “Two Soba Manju” Okashitsukasa Kiyoe A wagashi shop tucked into a lane on the west side of Zenkoji in the monzen town area. In addition to the signature sweet Ishigoromo, which showcases craftsmen’s skills, they also sell oyaki and dango. Phone: 026-232-7396 Hours: 8:00–18:00 Closed: Thursday (open on public holidays) Zenkoji Walk-and-Taste Ticket This value ticket lets you choose and purchase items from 19 shops offering Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1. Buy a ticket (¥700 per ticket, tax included) Tickets are available at the Nagano City Tourist Information Center and at some participating shops (12 stores). 2. At shops listed in the pamphlet, exchange the stickers attached to the ticket (five ¥100 stickers and four ¥50 stickers) for products. 3. Turn in used tickets to exchange for a prize (receive an original bag!). The ticket costs less than buying items separately and lets you sample many shops’ flavors in small portions, making it perfect for a food-walking tour ✨ For more details, see the highlights on @nagano_cvb! #walk-and-taste #sweets #gourmet #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Travel #nagano #naganocity

Enjoy great value gourmet treats with the Zenkoji Omotesando Tasting Ticket✨ 1. “Nori-wrapped Yaki-musubi” Suyakame Zenkoji Store Suyakame Zenkoji Store sits just past the Zenkoji Niomon Gate at the start of the cobbled Nakamise-dori Street. Their freshly grilled rice balls wrapped in nori and their miso soft-serve pair perfectly with a stroll around the temple approach. Phone: 026-237-2239 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Wednesday 2. “Handmade Oyaki” Maruhachi Takiya The first floor offers many original souvenirs, and the second floor serves hand-cut soba made from locally milled flour. A parking lot that fits 13 large buses makes this a good stop for groups. Phone: 026-232-4424 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: None (closed occasionally) 3. “Two Steamed Oyaki” Ogawanosho Daimon branch You can enjoy regional oyaki and roasted soba tea by a rustic irori hearth, a sight that’s becoming rarer. The dishes highlight the natural flavors of local ingredients—the taste of Nagano home cooking. Phone: 026-232-5786 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (irori open 10:00–15:00) Closed: Wednesday (subject to change) Zenkoji Tasting Ticket This value ticket lets you choose and purchase items from 19 shops, including Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1. Buy a ticket (700 yen each, tax included) 2. Redeem the sticker coupons on the ticket at listed shops (five 100-yen stickers and four 50-yen stickers) for products 3. Exchange the used ticket for a prize (receive an original bag!) The ticket is cheaper than buying items individually and lets you sample tastes from various shops—perfect for a food stroll✨ For more details, visit the Nagano Convention & Visitors Bureau HP. #Tasting walk #Oyaki #Gourmet #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano tourism #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity

Event Announcement 📣 The "Shimizu Town Digital Stamp Rally" is now underway 😊 Visit Shimizu Town’s food spots (restaurants serving noodles), scenic views, and historic sites to collect stamps, and you could win luxurious local specialties in a lottery 😍 📌 How to Participate 📍Add Shimizu Town’s official LINE account as a friend to display the event participation screen. 📍From the participation screen, scan the QR codes placed at each participating spot to earn stamps! 📍You can enter the prize drawing once you have collected 3, 5, or 10 stamps. Take this chance to explore local food, scenery, and historic sites, and submit your entry. We look forward to many participants 🤗 📞 Contact Shimizu Town Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division TEL: 0156-62-1156 https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_74.html...

The 10th Nobeoka Flower Story 2025 Konohana Walk was held on Saturday and Sunday, February 22–23, 2025, on the riverside of the Gokase River! Although a nationwide cold snap delayed the cherry blossoms, the event was lively with Nobeoka’s proud local food, stage performances, outdoor tea ceremonies, rickshaws, workshops, hands-on booths run by the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and kids’ events. In addition, a "Saigo-don Bus Tour" led by Saigo Takao, a great-grandson of the historical figure Saigo, was held to great acclaim. Thank you very much to everyone who attended✨️ *You can see scenes from the event day on the official Nobeoka Flower Story website.* Nobeoka Flower Story 2025 continues with Waiwai Hanayoi Story at Nobeoka Castle Ruins Shiroyama Park from Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, April 6, and the Waiwai Gourmet Expo on Saturday, March 22. Here you can see Somei-Yoshino cherry trees and one of Japan’s three great wild camellia groves (yabutsubaki).🌺 Check the blooming status on the official Nobeoka Flower Story website or in this account’s stories! We look forward to welcoming you.

🌺 The 10th Nobeoka Flower Story 🌺 [Period] Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025 The annual spring event “Nobeoka Flower Story” runs from Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, April 6, 2025! This event succeeds the former Tenkaichi Himuka Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival. It was renamed “Nobeoka Flower Story” in 2014 and, though some years were canceled due to the coronavirus, we are grateful to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. Local residents who wanted to beautify the Gokase River embankment, the event site, began planting Kawazu cherry trees and rapeseed flowers. Their efforts have created a spectacular display of blooms for everyone to enjoy. After a gourmet TV show featured the Kawazu cherry trees at the venue last year, we received many inquiries asking where that magical spot in Nobeoka City is located. [Main Events] 🌿 Hontoji Ei Nichiume (Eini-ume) The weeping plum known as “Eini-ume,” with a trunk older than 240 years, blooms splendidly each year. Fifty white plum trees and five red plum trees color the temple grounds this season.🌺 As of February 20, 2025, they are in full bloom and at their best! 🌸 Konohana Walk 📅 Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 Three hundred Tenkaichi Himuka cherry trees along the Gokase River embankment and one million rapeseed flowers will spread a carpet of spring color.✨ A special stage will showcase local performing arts and song acts, and the riverbed will host the Nobeoka Delicious Food Market.🌿 Local seafood and mountain produce from Nobeoka City will be on offer, and proud specialty vendors from Kumamoto and Oita prefectures will also attend. The popular annual Mini Sasuke Course Challenge will feature Sasuke Legend led by Makoto Nagano, a native of Nobeoka City. We will give a case of flowers used for the “flower lettering” to the first 200 visitors as a gift.🎁 There will also be seed-dumpling giveaways that kids and adults can enjoy! 💡 WaiWai Flower Story 2025 📅 Thursday, March 20 (national holiday) – Sunday, April 6 At Nobeoka Castle Hill and Shiroyama Park, enjoy Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and one of Japan’s three great wild camellia groves. Highlights include the WaiWai Gourmet Expo on Saturday, March 22, and the enchanting WaiWai Hanayoi Story, which features beautiful illuminated cherry blossoms—this series of events brings the Nobeoka Flower Story to a close. Enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the night-lit cherry blossoms and the stone walls of Nobeoka Castle.✨ 📍 For bloom updates and event details, please see the “Nobeoka Flower Story 2025 Official Website.” *Images are from last year.* Inquiries ▷▶ 0982-29-2155 (Nobeoka Flower Story Executive Committee)

[Event Announcement] 🍽️ Nobeoka Tapas 2025 🍽️/ Nobeoka City, in northern Miyazaki Prefecture, is a treasure trove of ingredients from the sea, mountains, and rivers. Fresh seafood, mountain delicacies, river catches, locally raised beef, pork, and chicken, and seasonal vegetables all come together thanks to the region's rich natural bounty. At Nobeoka Tapas, local chefs use these ingredients to craft inventive small-plate dishes, each priced at 600 yen. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Japanese to Western to Chinese. Why not sample a little of Nobeoka's unique flavors, one bite at a time?🍽✨ [Dates] Three days: Friday, February 7, 2025, and Sunday, February 9, 2025 On Sunday the 9th, a market will also take place around the west exit commercial building area of Nobeoka Station! (10:00–15:00) [Location] Throughout Nobeoka City (walking food tour at participating local restaurants) [Value Tasting Ticket] A great-value ticket that normally covers five 600-yen dishes (600 yen × 5) will be sold for 2,500 yen, starting January 15! [How to Purchase Tickets] ･ In-person sales at designated counters (cash only) 1. Nobeoka City Hall, 3rd floor, East Kyushu Basque Initiative Promotion Office 2. Onokobo Design LLC ･ Online reservation Reserve and purchase via the link on the profile page, then exchange your purchase for tickets at the information desk on the event day ※ Please note that payments are non-refundable. ･ Same-day sales Tickets will be available at the downtown information desk or the market information desk ※ If advance or reservation tickets sell out, there will be no same-day sales.

Atami Yogurt Fermentation Shop Grand opening today, 12/21! It’s in Nakamise Shopping Street in front of atami station. I attended the pre-opening yesterday! They use local Tanna milk and Izu aloe. Yogurt comes in many varieties, including plain, rich strained, and a limited fresh Atami yogurt. For eating while walking, try the drinkable yogurt, the "Yogurutto Pan" filled with Greek yogurt and plenty of yogurt butter cream, or the acai with Greek yogurt. For souvenirs, they offer fresh yogurt butter sandwiches, busse, and souffle sandwiches. It’s very delicious and very cute 🐤 Joining the lineup of popular Atami sweets—Atami Pudding, Atami Bata-an, Atami Square Cream Puffs, Atami Fruit King, Ichigo BonBonBERRY ATAMI HOUSE., Atami Mircheese, Atami Satori Main Store, and Montblanc Namaito—this new shop is the latest addition. Please give it a try. Atami Yogurt Fermentation Shop https://www.atami-yogurt.com//