Beautiful Japanese scenery! The Dance of the Red-crowned Crane! The mysterious and beautiful dance of the red-crowned crane is popular both inside and outside of Japan. In this video, titled "タンチョウの舞い Japanese Crane Dance ( Shot on RED EPIC High-speed )," we would like to introduce to you the courtship dance of the red-crowned crane. The red-crowned crane is a member of the Cruiformes order, Gruidae family of birds, and is known as a migratory bird; however, there are some non-migratory red-crowned cranes in Japan that can be found in the east of Hokkaido all year round. The elegant looks and majestic appearance of the red-crowned crane as it spreads its wings, make it a very popular bird. A fully-grown adult's wing span can reach over 2 meters, and they are the largest wild bird in Japan). The crane is probably the most well-known example of origami and the crane can also be seen in many other Japanese designs. The most famous of which are the 1000 yen note and the Japan Airlines logo. The red-crowned crane's dance can often be seen in winter as this is the start of the mating season. From 00:36 in the video, you can see a pair of red-crowned cranes dance while matching their calls. It’s a beautiful and magical sight. They way in which they spread their wings and jump around each other is very mysterious. Please enjoy the rare and precious footage. Where Are the Largest Breeding Grounds in Japan? Photo：Red-crowned crane courtship dance The ecology of the red-crowned crane is still shrouded in mystery. However, it is known that there are red-crowned cranes inhabiting both the north-eastern area of Eurasia and also the Kushiro wetlands (釧路湿原, kushiroshitsugen) of Hokkaido. They are omnivorous, feeding on mainly insects, fish, and seaweed found in freshwater. Due to these feeding preferences, they can often be found inhabiting wetland marshes, lakes and rivers. When winter comes around, mating couples are formed and families gather to pass the winter together. The majority of red-crowned cranes choose to spend the winter in China or the Korean Peninsula although it has been confirmed by the Wild Bird Society of Japan and the Ministry of the Environment that some do remain in Japan for the winter. The nonmigratory red-crowned cranes endemic to Japan are known to have a different sounding call to the introduced species. Until they were rediscovered in the Kushiro wetlands in 1924, it was thought that this endemic species had become extinct. In 1967, the red-crowned crane was designated a protected species in Japan and to this day the dance of the red-crowned crane remains the highlight of winter sightseeing in Hokkaido. Red-crowned Crane Facts Photo：Parent and child cranes The average height of the red-crowned crane is 102-147 cm and they can weigh anywhere from 4 kg to over 10 kg. They are covered in white feathers, with black feathers covering the area surrounding the eyes down to their neck and also the tips of their wings. The top of their head has no feathers and instead exposes a bright red patch of skin which is their distinguishing feature. During the breeding season their territory can cover an area of 1-7 square kilometers. They build nests mostly in marshy grasslands, by the waterside or shallows in order to lay their eggs and bring up their offspring there. The Japanese name for the red-crowned crane, "Tanchouzuru," comes from the word "Tan" which means red and refers to the red patch of exposed skin on the top of their head. According to Japanese literature, they were mentioned as far back as 1133 in the "Shijoshuu" and often appear in Japanese fairytales and folklore. Although the red-crowned crane has inhabited Japan for hundreds of years, there is still little information on things such as their average lifespan, the difference in appearance between males and females, and why the cranes that inhabit Japan are nonmigratory. Summary of the Red-crowned Crane Photo：Red-crowned crane・Courtship dance Currently, local governments in Hokkaido are fighting to protect the red-crowned crane with activities such as actively feed them during harsh times, such as in the middle of winter. Thanks to their efforts, the numbers of red-crowned cranes in Japan is steadily increasing. It's said that the Japanese species of red-crowned crane can be distinguished from the Siberian species that was introduced to Japan by differences in the sound of their calls. You can enjoy listening to their beautiful call and seeing their dance from 00:36 in the video.

Winter Activities at Mt. Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture! This video, titled "[Learning About Mt. Bandai] Travel Education: Winter Activities Edition" (【学べる磐梯山】旅育（タビイク）冬のアクティビティ編), was produced by "ponycanyon." In recent years, winter activities in Japan have gained huge popularity among foreign tourists. At Mt. Bandai in winter, introduced in the video, along with skiing and snowboarding, there's a ton of activities to enjoy! Let's take a look at what's in store for you! About Mt. Bandai ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying Let's take a look at Mt. Bandai itself. The Aizu-Mt. Bandai area of Fukushima Prefecture is a popular spot visited by many tourists each year. Mt. Bandai is designated as one of the "100 Famous Japanese Mountains" and is located in Fukushima Prefecture where three towns and villages meet. They are: Kita Shiobara (北塩原村, Kita Shiobara-Mura), Bandai (磐梯町, Bandai-Machi), and Inawashiro (猪苗代町, Inawashiro-Machi). Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖, Inawashiro-Ko), the fourth largest lake in Japan, is located south of Mt. Bandai. On the north side, there is a place called "Urabandai," which is famous for its group of ponds, which includes Goshiki-Numa (五色沼, Goshiki-Numa), which was formed by a large eruption. The Aizu-Mt. Bandai area is also known as the area where Hideyo Noguchi, the man on the 1,000 yen bill, was born and raised. You can enjoy the superb views of Japan's natural scenery, including the crater of Mt. Bandai, the Lake Inawashiro, pond group, the wetlands of the Mt. Bandai Gold Line, and the Bandai Azuma Skyline that runs along Mt. Bandai. Activities to Enjoy at Mt. Bandai Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:10 in the video, you can see the smelt fishing experience at Gold House Meguro. Smelt fishing under the ice of Lake Hibara (桧原湖, Hibara-Ko) is a ton of fun, and you can even cook your own catch and eating them as tempura! This activity allows you to feel nature's bounty with all five senses, and the video recommends learning the importance of creativity and life by feeling the life at the bottom of the lake. The next activity, introduced at 0:45 in the video, is the snowshoe experience! This wonderful snowshoe trekking experience, provided by Urabandai Mokumoku Nature School, provides a valuable experience of walking through the silver world of Goshiki-Numa. In the video, you can see kids having a blast as they roll around in the snow and play on the snow slide! At 1:18, you can see the farming experience which involves picking cabbage from underneath the snow! Cabbage underneath the snow ripens quickly and can be eaten like a fruit! You can feel the life in the snow country and the wisdom of our ancestors at the same time. More Activities in Winter at Mt. Bandai! Source :YouTube screenshot At the nature-rich Mt. Bandai, you can enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and snow rafting on the ski slopes, as well as trekking along the mountain route. Depending on the weather, you may be able to see ice covered trees at the Aizu-Mt. Bandai area in winter. Canoeing on the lake in winter also makes for a great experience. Even beginners can safely enjoy the activities, as their are guides and instructors to help you learn. There's also Mt. Bandai Onsen Hotel and Hoshino Resort nearby, so we recommend making a reservation for your stay. Summary of Winter Activities at Mt. Bandai Source :YouTube screenshot The video describes itself as "Learning About a Snowy Paradise" and introduces the splendor of using all 5 senses in the beautiful natural landscapes of Japan. If you're interested in winter activities in Japan, be sure to check out the video and visit Mt. Bandai when you have the chance! 【Official Website】Mt. Bandai – Urabandai Tourist Association https://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/ 【Tripadovisor】Mt. Bandai https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120477-d555801-Reviews-Mount_Bandaisan-Yama_gun_Fukushima_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! This video, titled "SNOW MONKEY JAPAN｜Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park｜Monkeys in Hot Springs," introduces the tourist spot in Nagano prefecture (長野県, Nagano ken) in Koushinetsu region (甲信越地方, Koushinetsu chihou ) of Japan. The monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park bathe in the hot springs to fend off the cold in the winter. Enjoy watching the lovely monkeys chilling out in the cold winter weather! What is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Source :YouTube screenshot Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. It's called "Snow Monkey Mountain" in English. The park can be enjoyed in every season, and in the fall, the leaves change to beautiful shades of red and yellow, creating a completely different atmosphere than that of the snowscapes of winter. The video shows how to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by taking the Nagano Electric Railway's Snow Monkey Limited Express (長野電鉄特急スノーモンキー, Nagano Dentetsu Tokkyu Snow Monkey) connecting Nagano station and Yudanaka station, at 0:27 in the video. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Kanbayashi hot spring (上林温泉, Kanbayashi Onsen) parking area by bus, and about 30 minutes to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by foot. We recommend stopping at Yokoyugawa Valley (横湯川渓谷, Yokoyugawa Keikoku) on the way. You need to buy a ticket to enter when you arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This is shown at 3:36 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can enjoy watching a bunch of monkeys playing around. When they get cold, they hop in the hot springs for a bit to warm up. Unfortunately, if it's hot out, the monkeys won't be getting in the hot springs too frequently. That being said, we recommend visiting on colder days so you can see the adorable sight of them bathing. There are live cameras you can check out before visiting to see what the weather is like as well. Monkeys Bathing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Snow monkey You can watch monkeys taking a bath in the video at 4:38. A troop of monkeys bathe in the springs, surrounded by white snow. The monkeys enjoy their bath time much like people, and you can even see a mother and her child taking a bath together at 5:06. One monkey can be seen relaxing with its eyes closed at 6:30 in the video. Although there are many tourists around, the monkeys pay no mind and go on enjoying themselves. Sightseeing Around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park The bus tour, which goes around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, is great for people who enjoy lively sightseeing trips. We also recommend stopping by Jigokudani Hot Spring Inn (地獄谷温泉後楽館, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan) and Jigokudani Fountain (地獄谷噴泉, Jigokudani Funsen) as well. Shiga Plateau (志賀高原, Shiga Kougen) is another popular tourist spot in Nagano prefecture. There are cafés where you can eat lunch, cool hotels, and an art museum that you can enjoy here. Summary of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Entrance Unfortunately the only way to get to Jidokudani Snow Monkey Park is to walk the promenade from the parking area to the park itself. It takes about 30 minutes, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing. There are some rules that you need to follow as not to scare the monkeys, so be sure to check those out as well. There are many places to stay near Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, so if you're planning on staying over night you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay. Are you ready to see some cute monkeys in person? ◆Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park◆ 【Address】6845 Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-gun Nagano Japan 381-0401 【Access】~30 minutes by car from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange, or ~15 minutes by bus or taxi from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway limited express line. ~30 minutes on foot from the Kanbayashi hot spring parking area 【Hours】Summer 8:30-17:00 Winter 9:00-16:00 【Admission fee】Adults 500 JPY, children 250 JPY (Coupons available) 【Closures】No regular holidays 【Telephone】0269-33-4379 【Stay time】2 hours 【Official Website】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1117904-d324924-Reviews-Jigokudani_Snow_Monkey_Park

This video, titled "Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort / SPECIAL MOVIE" (石打丸山スキー場 / SPECIAL MOVIE), was released by "gelanding+.tube." If you're looking to enjoy a dynamic skiing and snowboarding experience, then Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Minami Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture is the place to go! The appeal of this ski resort is that it's easily accessible, being just 5 minutes from the interchange. A series of thirteen lifts lead up to the mountainside with a 664-meter difference in elevation, and a longest total slope length of 4,000 meters! The Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort also hosts the Snow Carnival as well. Take part in exciting events, such as fireworks and raffles!

The Ice Chapel of Hokkaido's Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! This video, titled "氷の教会 (ICE CHAPEL)" was produced by "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu (Official)." It introduces the beautiful ice chapel at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. A chapel made of ice sounds probably sounds like something you'd find in a fairy tale, but this chapel is very real. The ice chapel,introduced in the video, can be found at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido. The dreamy chapel, utilizing Hokkaido’s harsh climate, is gaining popularity among couples looking to have a unique wedding. Enjoy the beauty of the chapel shown in the video. About Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's Ice Chapel Source :YouTube screenshot The ice chapel at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is available for just one month when Hokkaido is blanketed in pure white snow and the temperature drops to -30 degrees celsius (~-22 Fahrenheit). The ice chapel has a distinct, dome-shaped exterior. You can see the exterior at 1:19 in the video. As shown in the introduction at1:07 the aisle, altar, crosses, and even the candles are all made of ice and snow. The chapel is illuminated by a beautiful light called "ice blue," creating a magical atmosphere. Having a wedding, said to be one of the most important days of one's life, at this beautiful chapel, will make for an unforgettable experience. What to Do at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Source :【Official Homepage】Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The ice chapel is located in the Ice Village, which appears only in winter at Hokkaido Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. In addition to the Ice Village, there is an ice hotel, an ice sweets shop, an ice slide, an ice bath, an ice bar, an ice atelier, and an ice general store. In winter, you can also enjoy a dog sledding experience at Hokkaido Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. Passing through the Ice Village's mysterious ice gates will take you to another world. Facilities at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Photo：Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, built in the great outdoors of Hokkaido, has many attractive buildings besides the ice chapelshown in the video. "The Tower," which is the hotel in the central area, is a lodging facility where you can stay the night. There are also numerous restaurants, hot springs, and activity facilities on site. The water chapel, designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is another facility used for weddings and has a very romantic atmosphere. Summary of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's Ice Chapel Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows scenes of magical weddings held at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's ice chapel. The bride's winter-themed wedding dress is also very beautiful. If you're thinking of having a resort wedding at the ice chapel, be sure to visit the website and look into what they have to offer. ◆Hoshino Resorts Tomamu｜Ice Village, Facility Overview◆ 【Address】Naka-Tomamu Shimukappu Yufutsu Hokkaido 〒079-2204 【Access】5 minutes from Doto Expressway Tomamu I.C. 【2020 Open Period】January 20th -February 14th 2020 【Hours】17:45〜、19:45〜、21:45〜、About 10 minutes per session 【Parking】Available 【Telephone Number】0167-58-1111 【Official Website】ICE VILLAGE｜Hoshino Resorts Tomamu【Official】 https://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Hoshino Resorts Tomamu https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1120868-d1384236-r562576645-Hoshino_Resort_Tomamu-Shimukappu_mura_Yufutsu_gun_Hokkaido.html

This video, titled "Heavy snowfall, Snowplow Trains up and running! Aizu Railway Yunokami Onsen Station" (大雪でラッセル車稼働！　会津鉄道の湯野上温泉駅), was released by "YAMAnoHAMA." This video shows a snowplow train performing snow removal operations at Yunokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway in May 2015. Although the train service between Aizu Tajima and Aizu Kogen was suspended on that day, this snowplow train was working to remove the snow as quick as possible. The snowplow trains are equipped with plows at the front of the car that sweep the snow to either side as the train moves along. The snowplow trains are small, but they cut through the snow like a hot knife through butter. These snowplows are invaluable in heavy snowfall areas.

The New Winter Sport Snowscoot This video, titled "スノースクート最高！/ Snowscoot Is Freaking Cool! #2," produced by "Kezuhomuzu," introduces the popular winter sport "Snowscoot." Snowscoot is a new and popular winter sport that is gaining attention as a snow sport and snow activity. Dubbed a "snow bike/bicycle sled," it's a BMX-bike frame mounted on 2 boards that are independent of one another, which allows for steering. The Popularity of the Snowscoot Source :YouTube screenshot One of the reasons the snowscoot is so popular is because anyone can enjoy it; from beginners, to pros, children and adults, it doesn't matter, just get on and go! Unlike a snowboard, you can easily balance thanks to the handlebars. It's also very easy to control, so even those who are new to it, can enjoy the snowscoot with peace of mind. Currently, over 80% of domestic ski resorts have them for rent. The fact that you can begin snowscooting without any gear on hand is also what makes this sport great. Also, you can customize the frame, board, and handle with parts that fit your preference and the idea of being able to make a snowscoot that is tailored to each individual has won the hearts of many riders. In 0:07 of the footage, you can see them performing maintenance and making adjustments to a snowscoot, and from 0:24, you can see them glide down the pure white slopes at tremendous speed. The History of the Snowscoot Photo：Snow slopes The snowscoot was made in the early 1990’s in France and it was commercialized as a new winter sport following skis and snowboards. Franck Petoud, a French BMX rider, designed the frame to be similar to that of a bicycle and then attached 2 boards to the front and back of it. Attempting to fly down the slopes with this, it became the prototype of the snowscoot, and the bicycle manufacturer SUNN announced it as an official product. Afterwards, the snowscoot underwent its own development, with France being at the center of it all, and it was imported to Japan around 1994. Due to its novel appearance and high level of safety, we have been able to use them at many ski resorts in Japan. Because the origins of this sport lay in BMX, you can enjoy acrobatic tricks, such as aerials that use jumps and carving turns like the ones in snowboarding. Snowmotos, which have a similar shape, were made in America. These have a seat boom (a seat that you can put between your legs), and there is a slight difference in how you ride it. Get Your Own Snowscoot! You can buy the Snow Scoot at sporting goods stores as well as online. Prices vary by product, but entry-level snowscoots, such as the ONE-D, are priced at around 109,000 yen (~$1,000 USD) before tax. If you are concerned about the price, you can also buy used. Clothes, boots and shoes are basically the same as for skiing and snowboarding, and it doesn't require any special equipment Summary of the New, Popular Winter Sport, "Snowscoot" Source :YouTube screenshot As introduced in this article, snowscoot is a easy winter sport that allows you to glide down the mountain with the familiar feeling of riding a bicycle. You can use the snowscoot at many ski resorts, such as the Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Area and the Shiga Kogen Sun Valley Ski Resort, so definitely try one out! 【Official Website】SNOWSCOOT® [Snowscoot] Official｜JykK Japan Inc. https://snowscoot.co.jp/

This video, titled " Mt. Moriyoshi , AKITA, JAPAN (Ani Ski Resort)" (Mt.Moriyoshi ,AKITA,JAPAN(阿仁スキー場)), was released by "akitavision." Ani Ski Resort, located on Mt. Moriyoshi in Kita-Akita City, is a popular ski area where you can experience high quality powder snow. On Mt. Moriyoshi, you can see one of Japan's three most beautiful ice tree locations. The ice trees of Mt. Moriyoshi, also called "Ice Monsters," are a fascinating sight. Enjoy an incredible experience skiing through the ice-covered trees created by mother nature. Mt. Moriyoshi has gondolas in operation during summer, mountain climbing, and autumn foliage sightseeing as well, so it's a great place to visit outside of ski season.

This video, released by "Takahiro Maruyama" (丸山高弘), is titled "Lake Yamanakako Fuji Snow Festival - Bonfires and Glamping - Lake Yamanakako 3 minute trip - Color" (山中湖富士山雪まつり 焚き火とグランピング - 山中湖3分間トリップ -カラー-). The video shows the Lake Yamanakako Fuji Snow Festival. If you want to try glamping in Japan, or are interested in the event, be sure to check it out! At only 3 minutes long, it's great if you only have a few minutes to spare! The appeal of the video is that you can enjoy the flickering bonfires and a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. Watching the video, you'll feel just like you're at a campground. Of course, you can also go and check it out for yourself! This is the perfect video for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors of Japan.

Enjoy the Natural Scenery of Tohoku at Towada-Hachimantai National Park! If you're thinking about visiting Japan's Tohoku region but aren't quite sure where to go, then this is the video for you! Akita Prefecture (秋田県, Akitaken) is the epitome of natural scenic beauty! Let's take a look at what it has to offer. The video "Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Japan 4K (Ultra HD)," created by "National Parks of Japan," is a promotional video for Towada-Hachimantai National Park, a tourist site rich in nature, stretched over a vast area in Aomori Prefecture (青森県, Aomoriken), Iwate Prefecture (岩手県, Iwateken), and Akita Prefecture. Beautiful natural scenery, various onsen spots… the video is filled with the charms of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. This video will surely leave you craving to travel to Towada-Hachimantai National Park! This article will provide relevant information about attractions at Towada-Hachimantai National Park, where you can indulge in the nature of Japan, along with the contents of the video. Towada-Hachimantai National Park Photo：Aerial view of Lake Towada Towada-Hachimantai National Park, a tourist site in Japan, offers numerous spots where you can enjoy the amazing natural environment. Mt. Hakkoda (八甲田山, Hakkodasan), introduced at the beginning of the video was selected as one of the "100 Famous Japanese Mountains," and is a signature scenic site in Akita Prefecture. The view of Mt. Hakkoda from Hakkoda Ropeway is a must-see, particularly in the autumn when the autumn leaves decorate the mountain in beautiful colors. Besides that, the Hakkoda area also provides places where tourists can see peculiar views, such as Japanese beech forests, Lake Jigokunuma (地獄沼, Jigokunuma), and more. You can see the Mt. Hakkoda covered in autumn leaves in the video as well. It makes a great backdrop for photos as well. Be sure to take some pictures and post them on your Instagram! We recommend stopping by Lake Towada (十和田湖, Towadako) when you visit Towada-Hachimantai National Park as well. If the weather is nice, you can witness an entrancing view of the sky and clouds reflecting off of the surface of the water. It's a famous sight in the Tohoku Region (東北地方, Tohokuchiho). In addition, the lake is well known for kokanee fishing and canoeing, and many people visit there to indulge in these activities. This can be seen at 0:12 in the video. There are many places where you enjoy the natural landscape around the national park such as Towada Gold Line, Kakkonda Valley (葛根田渓谷, Kakkondakeikoku), Mt. Iwate (岩手山, Iwatesan), the Snow Monsters of Mt. Hakkoda, Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流, Oirasekeiryu), and so forth. The video introduces many of these sites where you can witness the breathtaking nature of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Hot Springs at Towada-Hachimantai National Park Photo：Tamagawa Hot Springs in autumn Towada-Hachimantai National Park is, as we mentioned rich in nature, and also has a variety of natural hot springs in the area. Tamagawa Onsen is the best strong-acid spring in Japan, located at the foot of Mt. Akitayakeyama (秋田焼山, Akitayakeyama). It is an onsen for recuperation, making it a rare onsen worldwide. It is also notable for its abundant water supply. Its spring is effective at fighting high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, women’s diseases, neuralgia, dermatitis, asthma, and more. It takes a while to get used to the water as it is a strong-acid spring, but we recommend giving it a try, especially if you're feeling fatigued. In addition, the national park is home to other onsen spots such as Kamanoyu Onsen, Amihari Onsen (Video 0:40), Kunimi Onsen (0:47), Tsuta Onsen (0:58), Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉郷, Nyuto Onsenkyo) (1:02, 1:39), and more. Other Sightseeing Locations at Towada-Hachimantai National Park　 Source :YouTube screenshot "Hirakasa Naked Pilgrimage" (平笠裸参り, Hirakasahadakamairi), introduced at 1:10 in the video, is a female-led festival where people in white clothing walk roughly 8 km from Miyata Shrine (宮田神社, Miyatajinja) in Hirakasa to Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasakajinja) in Obuke to pray for health, family security, and fertility. We recommend trying the local cuisine when you visit Towada-Hachimantai National Park as well. Kiritanpo Hot Pot (きりたんぽ鍋, Kiritanponabe), a local specialty of Akita, is shown at 1:45 in the video. You can indulge in superb seasonal views, including autumn leaves in the Fall and snow corridors in the winter, at Hachimantai Aspite Line, a highland-road introduced at 1:49. There are many more places to visit, such as Dragon Eye Lake Kagaminuma (ドラゴンアイ・鏡沼, Dragon Eye・Kagaminuma) where you can see the mystical scenery resembling a dragon’s eye, Towada Shrine (十和田神社, Towadajinja), Lake Suirennuma (睡蓮沼, Suirennuma), Lake Tsutanuma (蔦沼, Tsutanuma), Lake Onuma (大沼, Onuma), and more! Summary of Towada-Hachimantai National Park So, what did you think of Towada-Hachimantai National Park? There are a number of attractive sightseeing locations at Towada-Hachimantai National Park that we couldn’t cover in the article, so be sure to check out the video! Towada-Hachimantai National Park, is a popular tourist destination in Akita. Enjoying the rich natural landscapes of Japan as well as the various hot springs in the area, will surely make for a fulfilling vacation. ◆Towada-Hachimantai National Park◆ 【Access】About 170 minutes from Aomori Station by bus, about 110 minutes from Morioka Station by bus 【Parking】Charged parking area nearby 【Telephone No】Tohoku Region Environment Administration Office 022-722-2870 【Official Website】Towada-Hachimantai National Park https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/towada/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Towada-Hachimantai National Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g319096-Towada_Hachimantai_National_Park_Tohoku-Vacations.html

Wild Yezo Sika Deer on the Notsuke Peninsula! In this video “Yezo Sika Deer on the Notsuke Peninsula（野付半島のエゾシカ）”, created by Shinji Kawamura, you can watch the wild Yezo sika deer, living in herds in the snow of the Notsuke Peninsula (野付半島, Notsuke Hanto), Hokkaido. The Yezo sika deer, which belong to the Cervidae family, is one of many subspecies of the sika deer (the Japanese deer), mainly living in the grasslands of Hokkaido. Its body is bigger than that of the Japanese deer; It is approximately 1.5 meters long and 1.1 meters high. As you can see in this video, the Yezo sika deer has large antlers, which are shed between April and May every year. Yezo sika deer are herbivorous animals, and they have unique high-pitched calls. The wild Yezo sika deer shown in this video are from herds living on the Notsuke Peninsula, Hokkaido. The Notsuke Peninsula is the biggest sand peninsula/sand spit in Japan; It is approximately 26 kilometers long, and located between Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島, Shiretoko Hanto) and Nemuro Peninsula (根室半島, Nemuro Hanto). Many wild birds, animals, and insects live there. In December, when the grass dies, herds of Yezo sika deer move to their winter homes,- forests with more coniferous trees and less accumulated snow. From 0:55 in the video, you can see the Yezo sika deer living in herds in the snow. The Population of Wild Yezo Sika Deer Photo：Yezo Sika Deer The population of the Yezo sika deer once decreased dramatically due to hunting and deforestation in the early Meiji Period around 1868. However, after implementing measures to prohibit overhunting, the population has been increasing. Each deer eats a large amount of grass every day, so currently there are some problems regarding the damage of crops and forests, and the destruction of the environment. In addition, as its population has increased, more Yezo sika deer have been appearing in urban areas, which leads to problems of disruptive animals. From 1:33 in the video, you can hear sounds of cars driving in the background near a herd of Yezo sika deer. From the video, you can see that the Yezo sika deer lives very closely to humans. The "Yezo Deer Association" was founded in order to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the Yezo sika deer. Currently people take some measures to control the population of the Yezo sika deer, such as controlled hunting. The captured Yezo sika deer are used in venison dishes, for leather-working, deer fur products, antler products, and so on. Wild game meat dishes are very expensive in Europe, and venison is said to be healthy and has a unique flavor, so venison dishes are very popular. Venison is heated thoroughly and cooked into roasted meat or steak to avoid zoonotic diseases and food intoxication. Where to See the Wild Yezo Sika Deer Photo：Yezo Sika Deer on the Notsuke Peninsula The Notsuke Peninsula is an area where many wild animals have lived for a long time, even since the era of the Ainu (the native tribes of Hokkaido). It has multiple national forests and the Nationally Designated Special Wildlife Reserve. On the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, a hub for sightseeing, you can learn about the natural surroundings and the history of the Notsuke Peninsula. It also provides a wide range of tours, so you can join one of them and go around the Notsuke Peninsula. (The tours are a paid attraction and you must book ahead of time). We cannot guarantee that you can always see the Yezo sika deer as they are wild, but even if you cannot see the deer during the tour, you can still enjoy the wild of Hokkaido to your hearts content. Overview of the Yezo Sika Deer Introductory Video Source :YouTube screenshot The video we introduced this time showed Yezo sika deer living in herds in Hokkaido's wilderness. The video has many fun facts about the Yezo sika deer, such as characteristics of its antlers, the white furs of their hips, and its general habits, so be sure to take a look if you haven't yet! If you're looking to enjoy Japan's wilderness, look no further than Hokkaido! 【Official Website】Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center Hokkaido Betsukai http://notsuke.jp/ 【Official Website】Yezo Deer Association http://yezodeer.org/

Snowmen and Snowy Landscapes in Japan This video, titled "Beautiful Winter in Japan｜Healing Snowy Scenery of Winter & Nature｜Snow Viewing Information｜Winter in Japan｜Snowmen" (Beautiful winter in Japan 冬の自然の癒しの雪景色 雪見便り 日本の冬 雪だるま), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." This video will show viewers various different snow views in Japan. Enjoy watching snow piling up on trees and snowman building! Please also take a look at the snowy scenery in Japan so you can recognize how wonderful winter in Japan can be. This video will make you want to visit Japan in the winter. This article will talk about the video on snow views and a snowmen in Japan. Features of Japan's Snow Views Source :YouTube screenshot As Japan has four seasons, there are many views you can enjoy in each season. The winter views are one of the very special views that you can enjoy. As snow starts to fall, the world becomes entirely white. The towns are very quiet and you can hear the crunch of the snow beneath your feet. These views and sounds are only available in the winter season. Please watch the video from the beginning to enjoy the different winter views. What Is the Winter Tradition, Yukidaruma? Source :YouTube screenshot A snowman is called “Yukidaruma” in Japanese. Kids build Yukidaruma every winter when it snows. The most common way to make a Yukidaruma is to roll two snow balls on the ground to make them bigger. One is bigger than the other so that the small ball can be on top of the bigger ball. On the top ball, you can draw eyes, nose and a mouth to make it a face. Some kids put a bucket on the head to give it a hat. It is also common to make a snowman in foreign countries where it snows. In foreign countries, the way of making a snow man is different from the Japanese method. The three layered snowman is more common in foreign countries, though in Japan, two layered snowmen are more common. In some countries, they use a carrot for a nose and a silk hat to make a fancy snowman. Olaf from the Disney movie “Frozen” is more of a foreign-style snowman. Kids enjoy snowball fights, building snow rabbits, and igloo building. Take a look at the Japanese-style snowman at 0:39, the three family snowmen at 1:13, and the animal shaped snowman at 1:31. Perfect Instagram Locations for Japan's Snow Views ©Goryokaku-Tower Modifying There are so many popular places in Japan where you can enjoy the snow view. A snow-clad Mt. Fuji is one of the most popular snow views in Japan. Though the most beautiful snow view in Japan is in Hokkaido. Goryokaku, Otaru and the Blue Pond are must-see spots in Hokkaido. Seeing snow-covered trees and the illumination at night, you'll be fascinated by the dreamy atmosphere. Other enjoyable spots in Japan include, Zao in Tohoku region, Shirakawagou in Gifu, Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, Tottori sand dunes in Tottori, Kakunodate in Akita, Ouchi-juku in Fukushima, the Tadami line in Fukushima, Yunishigawa Hot Springs in Tochigi, the Icicles of Misotsuchi in Saitama, the Jigokudani Hot Springs and the wild monkey park in Nagano, Amaharashi coast in Toyama, and Kenrokuen in Ishikawa. Each place has it’s own beautiful snow view. You will be fascinated to see the beautiful winter view in each location. Overview of Snow Views and Snowmen in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot The video titled "Beautiful winter in Japan," created by "Discover Nippon" introduces viewers to Japan's winter views. Please check out the video if you are curious about snow views in Japan!

The Beautiful Snowscapes of Japan This video, titled "4K Beautiful snow scene in Japan 日本の雪景色 TOP14名所 winter scenery snowscapes snow light tourism trip," was produced by Discover Nippon. Japan is a country where you can enjoy the nature of all four seasons. The Japanese archipelago has a unique vertical topography, which means that in winter, the temperature in Hokkaido, located in the north of the country, can drop below 10 degrees Celsius, while in the subtropical region of Okinawa, it's possible to wear a t-shirt year round. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the most beautiful snowscapes of winter in Japan alongside a beautiful 4K video! Sightseeing in Tokyo on a Snowy Day When people think of snow in Japan, they generally think of the snowy landscapes of Tohoku and Hokkaido; however, several times a year, snow falls in the capital city of Tokyo as well. The snow brings the city to a halt, making the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple, with its low traffic (both human and vehicle), a tasteful, hidden tourist destination. Tokyo's snowy scenery, which can only be seen once or twice a year, is a rare sight. However, transportation is tremendously impeded, so please be cautious when collecting information on traffic and weather forecasts. Places to See Japan's Representative Snowscapes If you're looking for beautiful snowscapes in Japan, then we've got just the list for you: ・Akita Prefecture：Igloos ・Gifu Prefecture：Shirakawa, The Northern Alps ・Hokkaido：Otaru Canal, Sapporo Snow Festival ・Yamagata Prefecture：Ginzan Onsen, The Ice Trees of Zao ・Ishikawa Prefecture：Kenroku-en covered in snow Even if you're not in the Tohoku region, you can still enjoy the spectacular snowscapes of the mountains, and even in the Tohoku region, there's not so much snow on the Pacific side. We recommend the hot springs in the mountains and onsen areas on the Sea of Japan side. Active Snowfall Scenery and Sights to Enjoy There are also plenty of places to enjoy winter sports in Japan. Japan is a popular destination for winter sports, having hosted two Winter Olympics to date. Many of the ski resorts where you can snowboard are located near hot spring resorts, so you can relax after a long day of skiing/snowboarding with delicious food and hot springs. If You're Traveling the Snowscapes of Japan, Hot Spring Tourism Is the Way to Go! Here's a list of hot spring resorts with snowy landscapes and winter sports: ・Nagano Prefecture has a great view of the Northern Alps and popular hot springs and ski resorts such as Hakuba. ・Niigata Prefecture is famous for its snow, hot springs and delicious seafood. ・Hokkaido is a paradise of hot springs, where many foreign tourists come to enjoy the large scale resort hotels with ski slopes. After skiing and snowboarding, you can replenish your stamina with Ghengis Khan (Jingisukan), a Japanese lamb dish. ・After skiing, you can enjoy playing in the snow in an igloo and relaxing in hot springs in Akita Prefecture. Kiritanpo hot pot is the specialty in this area! All of these are great places to visit, so find which one suits you best! Hokkaido and Nagano Prefecture are the host cities of the Winter Olympics, so it's safe to say that they're the Meccas of winter sports in Japan. Sightseeing at Temples and Shrines Where You Can Enjoy the Majestic Snowy Scenery Here are some temples and shrines we recommend checking out: ・Yamadera (Yamagata Prefecture)： Yamadera, also known in children's songs, is a famous temple located in Yamagata Prefecture. ・Chuson-ji Temple (Iwate Prefecture): Chuson-ji is a World Heritage Site! The beauty of Konjikido with a snowy landscape is unbeatable. ・Iwakiyama Shrine (Aomori Prefecture): Iwakiyama Shrine, located on Mt. Iwaki, which is often mentioned in songs, is an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is the setting for Sansho the Bailiff. ・Towada Shrine (Aomori, Japan): A historical shrine with a lake with a beautiful emerald green surface. The contrast between the snowy winter landscape and the lake is like a beautiful painting. Summary of the Snowscapes of Japan Winters in snowy countries can be hard in terms of climate, but the beautiful, ink-painting-like world created by the snow that covers Japan's beautiful natural landscape is well worth seeing. Enjoy Japan's snowy landscape in the beautiful 4K video.

“Shirakawa-Go” and “Gokayama” This promotional video, produced by “Discover Nippon,” shows the snowy landscapes of Shirakawa-go (Gifu Prefecture) and Gokayama (Toyama Prefecture). Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are two popular tourist destinations in Japan known for their Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with a unique sloped roof supported by A-frame crossbeams and thatched with the straw of crops. The beauty of these farmhouses, with snow capped, thatched roofs, can be seen in the video. This article will supplement the video by giving information about must-visit places in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, where you can enjoy ancient Japanese landscapes. Sightseeing Locations at Shirakawa-go During the Winter ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is a famous place in northern Gifu Prefecture (known as the Hida Region), home to the thatched-roof Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The structure of the steeply sloped roofs can withstand the heavy winter snowfall. Wada-ke house, a well preserved house located in Ogimachi (the largest village in Shirakawa-go), is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is now open to the public as a museum. There are many other recommended locations, hidden gems, and “instagrammable” places, such as Shiroyama Viewpoint, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck, Tohyama-ke House Museum and Myo-zenji Temple and House. Although Shirakawa-go has charms in every season, it's best seen covered in snow. The illumination during winter makes the village snowscape even more amazing. This can be seen at 3:33 in the video. The pure white landscape, lit up beautifully, is a sight to behold even on video. Recommended Tourist Locations in Gokayama Photo：World Heritage Site Gokayama Ainokura Village Gokayama is a part of Nanto City in Toyama, an area consisting of nostalgic villages featuring Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Ainokura village and Suganuma village are the main attractions of Gokayama, and are both registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Shirakawa-go. The Iwase-ke House and Murakami-ke House are two buildings of high cultural value, with both being designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The best time to visit Gokayama is either in winter, when the village is covered in snow, or during the Ainokura Gokayama Music Festival in June. If you like Tofu, be sure to try the Gokayama Tofu. It's a local specialty made using pure mountain water and locally grown soybeans. Access to Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama Many people visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama by bus tour or car, as there are no railway lines running through the area. If you're planning on staying overnight, the hotels around Hirase Onsen in Shirakawa-go or Gokasansou in Gokayama are the best options. Some of the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses now function as an inn. It's a great way to experience a traditional Japanese home that has tatami mat floors and an “Irori” (Sunken Hearth), used for both cooking and heating. The video shows the inside of a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse from 6:53. Staying in a traditional Japanese home guarantees a unique experience. Summary of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture and Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture have released live informational cameras that allow you to check out Shirakawa-go and Gokayama at all times. Consider checking them out before you head out for sightseeing. Enjoy seeing the nostalgic Japanese villages snow capped by snow. It's a scene you won't come across often. Shirakawa-go Tourist Office http://ml.shirakawa-go.org/en/

Tourist Information for the Winter Months in Tsubetsu, Hokkaido The tourism promotional video produced by the Tsubetsu's tourism board, "Welcome to Winter in Tsubetsu!"（いらっしゃい津別！冬（津別町観光ＰＲビデオ)), captures the beauty of the wild winter wonderland at its best. Tsubetsu is adjacent to Akan Mashu National Park located in the east inland of Hokkaido prefecture. Tsubetsu Outlook is a popular viewpoint overlooking Kussharo Lake during the summer months, but the road leading to the outlook is closed in winter. However, there are some unique attractions in Tsubetsu during the winter. Displayed in the video is a fantastic snow-covered world of minus 20 degree weather with frost-covered trees and wild animals - The harsh beauty of the Wild North. How to Enjoy Tsubetsu's Magnificent Winter Wonderland Source :YouTube screenshot Tsubetsu is an hour drive from Memanbetsu Airport in Abashiri, and the city has no local train. About 80% of its total municipal area is covered by forest, surrounding tourists with the vast landscape as soon as they arrive. You may be wondering if there's anything to see there other than the silvery white plains during the bitter winter, but that same landscape is what makes the visit so worth your time! The trees in the forest are covered with ice, and when the weather is nice they sparkle, creating a fantastic scene of glittering lights. Popular winter activities in Tsubetsu include ice skating at the Tsubetsu Elementary School grounds or smelt fishing at Chimikeppu Lake. You can see smelt fishing at 1:30 in the video. Catching and cooking your very own smelt is a great way to enjoy the cold weather. The subtitle that appears at 1:42 says how "The mountain has become an amusement park," and that's exactly what we see! This amusement park offers a wide range of enjoyable experiences, such as eating fresh snow with condensed milk poured on it. Dining in Tsubetsu Source :YouTube screenshot After spending some time in the magnificent snowscape, viewers are taken to Michi no Eki Aioi (Roadside Station Aioi) that sells healthy snacks using local vegetables. This can be seen at 2:02 in the video. We recommend Kumayaki; it's a snack you can't find anywhere else. Kumayaki is a type of Japanese confection with bear-shaped patties (Kuma means bear in Japanese) and a sweet red bean filling using local flour and locally grown adzuki beans. There are four types of bear-shaped dorayaki (similar to Kumayaki) made of Hokkaido wheat and azuki beans, which are popular in Japan. Local gourmet delicacies such as Tsubetsu Wagyu steak, a brand of beef from Tsubetsu, Hokkaido, which is said to be a rare Japanese wagyu beef, and extra-large kakiage soba noodles made with local vegetables are also worth trying. And there is of course the renowned local dish of Hokkaido, Genghis Khan (a Japanese BBQ mutton dish), which is served at some restaurants in Tsubetsu. Tourist Information for Tsubetsu Source :YouTube screenshot Lamp no Yado Mori Tsubetsu Hotel is a hotel that features an outdoor hot spring bath where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the snow. In summer, tourists come from all over Japan to tour the spectacular sea of clouds from Tsubetsu Pass to Lake Kussharo. "Non-no no Mori Nature Center" is a rare park in Japan that has been scientifically recognized as a "forest therapy base" for its healing properties. The forest therapy guided tour or a walk on the hiking trail through the snow-covered forest will help you get reacquainted with nature. Summary of Tsubetsu, Hokkaido The natural beauty of Tsubetsu instills wanderlust in those who see it. You get a sense that even in this harsh winter wonderland you can enjoy a fantastic experience in the great outdoors. The harshness is exactly what makes it so beautiful. Many festivals and events are lined up in Tsubetsu all throughout the year, such as the ceremony to open the Tsubetsu pass, the "Primrose Festival," "Tsubetsu Summer Festival," the "Tsubetsu Tanabata Festival" in July, the "Bon Dance Festival" in mid-August, and the "Tsubetsu Local Festival." We recommended visiting Tsubetsu to see the events. The detailed information of events and festivals is published on the city's official website. The specialties of Tsubetsu include the traditional wooden crafts and Japanese black beef "Ryu-sui Gyu," which make great souvenirs. I bet this video already has you packing your bags, doesn't it? 【Official Website】Tsubetsu Tourism Association http://www.tsubetsu.net/english/index.html

雪さらしとは？ 「【4K】越後上布の雪さらし（南魚沼市塩沢地区）」は、麻織物を作る工程で大事な雪さらしについて紹介をしている動画です。 雪さらしとは、雪の紫外線反射を利用して漂白をする、越後上布において重要な工程の一つです。 この工程は江戸時代から行われており、その工程が取り入れられている越後上布は日本が誇る伝統工芸品です。 自然の力に頼ることで、人工的にするよりも綺麗に漂白することができます。 その鮮やかな仕上がりから、越後上布では無くてはならない工程となっています。 この雪さらしは毎年2月下旬から4月上旬までの良く晴れた日の新潟県南魚沼市で行われており、一つの布に対して雪さらしは約1週間程度行われます。 雪さらしを必要とする伝統工芸品について 越後上布の重要な工程である雪さらしですが、他の工芸品にもこの工程は受け継がれています。 一つ目は小千谷縮で、麻織物の最高峰ともされている立派な日本が誇る織物です。 苧麻（ラミー）を素材として使用しており、ユネスコ世界無形文化遺産登録されていることから、世界的にも有名な日本の伝統工芸品の一つとされています。 二つ目は塩沢紬で、越後上布無くして塩沢紬は作られなかったほど、縁の深い織物となっています。 塩沢紬も伝統工芸品として日本に登録されています。 雪さらしの歴史と織物についてのまとめ 日本が誇る伝統工芸品の一つ越後上布、その工程において重要とされている雪さらしについて、ご紹介させて頂きました。 日本の歴史においても深く繋がりがあり、和の象徴でもある着物にも使用されていることから、その重要性が分かるのでは無いでしょうか。 動画でも雪さらしの雄大さを堪能することが出来ますが、新潟県にある塩沢織物研修センターに行くことで、実際に雪さらしを見学することも出来ます。 2月から4月にかけて日本に、そして新潟県に足を運ぶ機会がありましたら、ぜひ見学を検討してみてはいかがでしょうか。

Hokkaido Hoshino Resorts Tomamu This video, titled "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Activities," was created by "LHK VISIONWORKS JAPAN." It introduces the appeal of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in the Hokkaido area. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is located about 90 minutes from Shin Chitose Airport, in Shimukappu Village. It's gaining popularity as a resort facility where you can spend a relaxing time in luxury. Let's take a look at how you can enjoy the snowy landscape of Hokkaido's Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. In the video, we'll introduce activities that can be enjoyed in the snow and activities at the facilities of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! After watching the video we have no doubt you'll be putting this on your itinerary for your next visit to Japan! Enjoy the Snowy Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Source:YouTube screenshot Hokkaido, one of the snowiest areas in Japan, is a great place to enjoy winter activities. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, kids' snowmobiles, snow inter-tubing, snow striding, dog sledding, banana boating, ice fishing, day snow camping / night snow camping with tents in the snow, snowshoe downhilling, and more. There's endless fun to be had at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! There are also limited time events and tours, such as the snowmobile tour, snow buggy tour, a horse riding experience, smelt fishing experience, cross-country skiing experience, and more! There's a ton of activities that can only be enjoyed here! Even small children can enjoy the snowy landscape of Hokkaido through activities such as the snowy field sleigh park and building snowmen. There is also a ski school, so even beginners can try their hand at winter sports. You don't need to worry about bringing your own skis either, as there are plenty of rentals available. These activities can be seen from the start of the video until 1:24. The scenes of both children and adults alike enjoying the beautiful winter wonderland in Hokkaido is truly heartwarming. Hokkaido's Ice Hotel At Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu, an integrated resort of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in winter, the Ice Village is available for a limited time. The ice hotel is where the ceilings, floors, and furniture are all made of ice! There is also an open-air ice bath, an ice chapel, and an ice bar counter, so there's plenty of ways for you to enjoy your time. You can see this at 2:30 in the video. Take a moment to admire the fantastic atmosphere. The Gondolas at Hoshino Resort Tomamu! ©Akiko_Kubosawa Modifying You can enjoy the natural snowscape of the magnificent Hidaka Mountains from the terrace that can be accessed by gondola. There's a limited time illumination event as well, so be sure to check it out if you get the chance. You might not feel like getting up early on your vacation, but we recommend waking up early during the summer and riding a gondola to the Sea of Clouds (Unkai Terrace), a terrace located above the clouds. If the weather permits it, you'll get a superb view of the clouds, spanning as far as the eye can see. From the gondola, you can sometimes see a herd of Hokkaido sika deer as well. It's quite a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else in Japan. Enjoying Your Stay at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Source:YouTube screenshot Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's largest heated indoor swimming pool, Minamina Beach, is one of Japan's most popular spots where you can enjoy summer fun in the middle of winter. You can also enjoy the playground with equipment such as the "Cyber Wheel," as well as paddle boarding and various water activities. The indoor facilities are introduced starting at 1:25. It's a truly luxurious facility where you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere after playing in the snow. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu has a variety of gourmet options, including buffet dining and authentic Italian restaurants, so you won't have to worry about eating out during your stay. We also recommend enjoying the view from "Tomamu the Tower." Summary of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu With a land area the size of approximately 213 Tokyo Domes (~2,500 acres), Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers many unique experiences. The video also shows many visitors playing at the Hoshino Resort Tomamu, all smiling and enjoying themselves. If you're looking to have the trip of your life in Hokkaido, look no further than Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! ◆Hoshino Resort Tomamu◆ 【Address】〒079-2204 Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu, Hokkaido 【Access】There is a shuttle bus from Sekishou Line Tomamu Station to each facility 【Admission Fee】It varies depending on the facility used. If you want more information, please check official website. 【Gours】 It varies depending on the facility used. If you want more information, please check official website. 【Closures】Closures vary by facility. Please check the official website for more details. 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】0167-58-111 【Official website】Hoshino Resort Tomam https://www.snowtomamu.jp/summer/en/

富山地方鉄道の冬の立山線エリアの魅力紹介動画の見どころ この記事では「富山地方鉄道 冬の立山線ＰＲ映像 （ロング版）」という動画を中心に、冬の立山線エリアの魅力を紹介します。 冬の時期に旅行をするなら、日本ならではの自然と気候をたっぷりと堪能が出来る観光スポットがいいですよね。 ここでは、日本の冬にぜひおすすめしたい観光スポットである富山地方鉄道、冬の立山線について詳しく紹介をしていきます。 景色を堪能出来るだけでなく、富山の地産地消のグルメでお腹も満たされる素晴らしい観光スポットである立山線について、少しでも知って頂ければ幸いです。 富山地方鉄道の冬の立山線おすすめ観光名所！ 富山地方鉄道観光のスタートは、動画0:33でも紹介されている『電鉄富山駅』から。 そこで名物でもある『アルプスエキスプレス』という電車に乗って、立山線の道のりに広がる雪で彩られた路線と幻想的な景色を堪能しましょう。 途中には、動画1:12で紹介をされている日本の伝統工芸として有名な和紙製造をされている『川原製作所』や動画1:29で紹介されている漆器製造をされている『荻野漆工房』があり、どちらも日本の歴史と文化に興味がある方にはおすすめです。 そして更に進んでいくと、動画2:29で紹介をされている『陶農館』があります。 ここでは実際に伝統工芸品の陶芸体験や園芸教室が開催されているので、ぜひ参加してみてくださいね。 そして、動画3:00で紹介されている富山地方鉄道立山線の名物で選奨土木遺産にも認定されている『千垣橋梁』を通ります。 そして動画3:35の立山駅に着いたら、富山地方鉄道立山線での旅は終了となります。 富山地方鉄道立山線を堪能した後はここ！ 鉄道での旅も終了したことで、ご当地グルメを味わいところ。 ですが、まずは長い旅の疲れを癒す為にも、動画4:39で紹介をされている立山吉峰温泉ゆーランドへ寄ることをおすすめします。 サウナやハーブ湯等の4種類のお風呂が楽しめ、身も心も温まるはずです。 その後は、動画4:50でも紹介をされているグリーンパーク吉峰にて、立山の旬の素材をふんだんに活かした『立山育ち御膳』を。 もしくは『立山芦峅ふるさと交流館』にて日本の古き良きお食事を頂きましょう。 日本ならではの四季によって彩られた景色を堪能し、温泉で疲れを癒してご当地グルメに舌鼓を打つ、これこそ観光の醍醐味と言えるでしょう。 富山地方鉄道の冬の立山線の魅力紹介まとめ 立山線、そして立山駅周辺のおすすめ観光スポットについて紹介をさせて頂きましたが、いかがだったでしょうか。 インスタ映えのする景色や絶景は勿論のこと、食事や温泉、伝統文化の体験など楽しみが盛りだくさん。 ぜひ今回紹介させて頂いた記事と動画がきっかけとなって、富山県への観光を検討してくれる方が少しでも居て下されば、幸いです。

The Ogaki Festival of Ogaki, Gifu This video, titled "[Full Version] Ogaki Festival [Main Ver.]" (【完全版】大垣祭の軕（ヤマ）行事【メインVer.】), shows the Ogaki Festival in Gifu prefecture. The Ogaki Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Ogaki, Gifu in May each year. In this article, we'll go over the history and characteristics of the festival in detail! What Kind of Festival is the Ogaki Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival is a historic castle town festival that is said to have started around 1648 in the Edo Period. Several floats were lost due to earthquakes during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and World War II. The nine surviving floats and accessories have been designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Gifu Prefecture. In 2015, the festival was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2016, the Ogaki Festival was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage as one of the yama (山), hoko (鉾), and yatai (屋台) float festivals of Japan. Ogaki is the place where Matsuo Basho wrote his last haiku for "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." In spring, Ogaki holds the "Basho Festival" in honor of the great poet. The Floats of the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival consists of 13 floats: Kagura, representing Honamachi/Nakamachi/Shinmachi, Daikoku, representing Uoya-cho/Takejima-cho/Tawaramachi, Ebisu, representing Funamachi/Tenma-cho/Gifumachi/Miyamachi, Aioi, also representing Honmachi, Hotei, representing Nakamachi, Sugawara, representing Shinmachi, Namazu, representing Uoya-cho, Sakaki, representing Takejima-cho, Urashima, representing Tawaramachi, Tamanoi, representing Funamachi, Shochiku, representing Tenma-cho, Atago, representing Gifumachi, and Shojo, representing Miyamachi. During the festival, these 13 floats parade around Ogaki. Each of them is decorated with a variety of traditional crafts, such as metals, lacquer works, and carvings, which are made in the Mino area. You can see the floats parading through the city in the midst of the festival at 0:59 in the video. The decorations on each of the floats use many of the excellent traditional craftsmanship techniques of the Mino Region, such as metalwork, lacquer work, and carving, and the floats have a very ornate appearance. The Various Events at the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival consists of three types of events: "Shiraku," showcasing traditional Japanese performing arts, the "Honraku" float parade, and "Yomiya," which involves the lighting of lanterns and the transfer of a sacred object. During the festival, each float plays lively music with gongs and drums, karakuri dolls perform tricks, and there's music played by the hayashi bands. The karakuri dolls can be seen at 2:05 in the video. On the day of the festival, many food stalls line the streets, so you can enjoy eating different types of Japanese food cart snacks! Summary of the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, the Ogaki Festival is an elegant yet powerful festival in the Mino region of Gifu prefecture. Throw on a yukata and head over to Ogaki in early summer to see this beautiful, traditional Japanese festival! 【Official Website】Ogaki Festival Executive Committee https://www.ogakikanko.jp/event/ogakimaturi/english/

Samurai Girl - Soma Nomaoi This video, titled "Samurai Girl - One Girl's Story of becoming a Samurai (Samurai Girl - Soma Nomaoi)" (Samurai Girl ~ One Girl's Story of becoming a Samurai（サムライガール〜相馬野馬追）) is a documentary video on Soma Nomaoi, an event in the Soma region of Fukushima prefecture. The video of the samurai girl has attracted so much attention that it was accessed from more than 100 countries within a month of its release. At 0:24 in the video, we see the beautiful samurai girl before she dons her armor. Fully armored up at 1:06, we see the dignified spirit of ancient Japanese samurai within her. What Kind of Event is Fukushima's Soma Nomaoi? Photo：Soma Nomaoi, Fukushima Prefecture Soma Nomaoi is a historic event held in July every year in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture, and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset​ of Japan. The scene of many military leaders and feudal lords getting together to welcome the general is incredibly powerful. There are also many dynamic events, such as reenactments of battles by cavalrymen, wild horse races, armor competitions, and banner wars, and the festival is great for taking Instagram photos! There are also food stalls set up at the events, so if you’re looking to enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine, this is a great place to visit. Access to Soma Nomaoi, an Event in Fukushima Prefecture Photo：Soma Nomaoi, Fukushima Prefecture Soma Nomaoi, a festival made famous by "Samurai Girl," is held at the Hibarigahara Festival Grounds (雲雀ヶ原祭場地) in Fukushima prefecture. In addition, events are also held at Soma Nakamura, Soma Ota, and Soma Odaka shrines in Soma. On the day of the event, many tourists gather and there is road traffic control. We recommend checking posters for access and parking information ahead of time. We also recommend joining a tour or buying tickets in advance. Summary of Soma Nomaoi and Samurai Girl Photo：Soma Nomaoi, Fukushima Prefecture The video, featuring samurai girl, introduces the dynamic rituals of the Soma Nomaoi, an event that recreates the atmosphere of the Warring States Period. The Soma Region of Fukushima Prefecture was severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. This video shows the strong will of the people of Fukushima Prefecture's Soma region. We hope you'll come out to support the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture and watch the demonstration of warlords donning armor and Japanese swords!

Traditional Japanese Performing Arts - Ningyo Joruri This video, titled "Tokushima's Wooden Ningyo Joruri Puppets｜Footprints of the Puppets "AWA DEKO" (人形浄瑠璃を支える徳島の木偶　Footprints of the Puppets “AWA DEKO”), was uploaded by Joruri Kaido (浄瑠璃街道). It introduces Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese culture. Ningyo Joruri is a type of puppet theater in which a story is performed by three puppeteers, a tayu (joruri narrator), and a shamisen player. In this article, we'll introduce the puppets behind Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art. The History of Ningyo Joruri, a Traditional Japanese Performing Art Source :YouTube screenshot Awa Ningyo Joruri is a traditional Japanese art form that has been handed down in Tokushima Prefecture for centuries. Ningyo Joruri, which originated in Osaka in the Edo Period (1603-1868) as a form of mass entertainment, is a composite art form in which the tayu, shamisen, and the puppets work together to create a wonderful story. In addition to being enjoyed as a form of mass entertainment, Ningyo Joruri is often performed with the same high artistic quality as bunraku, and performed as a Shinto ritual. The Artisans Behind Ningyo Joruri Puppets Source :YouTube screenshot The puppets used in Ningyo Joruri are called "deko," and most of the heads of deko are hand made by puppeteers in Awa. The construction of the wooden figurines is so elaborate that referring to them any differently would be to disrespect the craftsmanship of the artisans. Awa Deko are a larger variety of puppets used in Ningyo Joruri, so paulownia wood is used as a material to make them lighter. The puppets are designed to manipulate facial expressions and gestures through mechanisms inside their heads, and the craftsman's elaborate techniques are indispensable in creating each masterpiece. You can see how Yoichiro Amari, an Awa Ningyo Joruri Craftsman, creates the puppets at 1:04 in the video. The face is carefully carved out of paulownia wood with a carving knife, cut in two in front of the ears as seen at 2:02, and then mechanisms to control the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows are placed inside the hollowed-out head. Learn More About Ningyo Joruri, a Traditional Japanese Performing Art Source :YouTube screenshot In Tokushima Prefecture, there's "Matsushige-cho Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan, Ningyo Joruri Shibai Shiryokan," a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Japan’s Ningyo Joruri. At the museum, visitors can learn about the types of puppets, the materials used to make them, how they're made, the techniques used by the artisans, and the steps to completing one. The Tokushima Prefectural Awa Jurobe Yashiki Puppet Theater and Museum (徳島県立阿波十郎兵衛屋敷), where you can see Ningyo Joruri performances up close, is also a great place to visit. If you're looking to experience traditional Japanese culture, we highly recommend stopping by and checking out a performance. Summary of Ningyo Joruri, a Traditional Japanese Performing Art Source :YouTube screenshot The artisans who make the elaborate wooden puppets are essential to Ningyo Joruri, a traditional art form loved by many. We hope you enjoyed learning about the amazing culture of Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese performing art that has been loved through the ages.

Traditional Performing Arts of Kyoto - Dances by Maiko This video, titled "Beautiful Kyoto: Being a Maiko (featuring Fukunae-san)," was released by Discover Kyoto. There are five Hanamachi (districts where geisha live and work) in Gion, Kyoto, referred to as the Five Hanamachi districts. They are Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Gion-Higashi, Ponto-cho, and Kishichiken, and each of them has its own theater, which is crowded with dances and theatrical performances in the spring and fall. The dances performed by Kyoto's gorgeous maiko are very popular among tourists as one form of traditional Japanese entertainment. The History and Apprenticeship Training of Kyoto's Maiko Photo：A maiko performing a dance The maiko of Kyoto refers to the young women who tie their hair in a traditional Japanese style, wear furisode (a long-sleeved kimono), and perform beautiful dances at banquets. The history of maiko, a traditional performing art of Kyoto, began with the tea ladies of tea houses that served tea to the worshippers at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1868 AD). The apprenticeship training to become a maiko is called "Shikomi" (仕込み). During the training, the maiko learns various things, such as dancing, shamisen, and how to properly wear furisode. In the world of maiko, it's very important to adhere to tradition. The World of Kyoto's Hanamachi Photo：Kyoto's Hanamachi In Hanamachi, there are mainly teahouses and okiya. Okiya are teahouses where maiko and geiko entertain customers with dances and other performances. Some okiya have a policy of declining customers without introductions from other regulars. An okiya is a place where a maiko lives and prepares for banquets. The men of the occupation who dress the geisha and maiko are called "Otokoshi" (男衆). In the video, you can see how a maiko's hair is carefully dressed at 1:45, how she puts on her white make up at 2:14, and how she is dressed at 3:31. Experience the Traditional Performing Arts of Kyoto With a Maiko Experience! Photo：Maiko If you go to Kyoto for sightseeing, we strongly recommend experiencing a traditional maiko performance. In recent years, the number of shops where you can experience maiko culture has increased, so you can have your picture taken with a maiko wearing a kimono and white makeup. On top of the reasonably priced photo plan, you can also choose a plan that allows you to experience a stroll through picturesque sightseeing spots for an additional fee. Summary of Maiko - A Traditional Culture of Kyoto Photo：A maiko As shown in the video, the elegant maiko culture has existed in Kyoto since ancient times. When you visit Kyoto, be sure to observe a dance performance at a theater or stop by a place where you can experience maiko and the traditional performing arts of Kyoto.

立山黒部アルペンルートとは ここでは、立山黒部アルペンルートに広がる観光スポット"立山ロープウェイ"について『（TKAR011）立山黒部アルペンルート 立山ロープウェイ- Tateyama Ropeway -【4K】JAPAN』という動画を元に紹介していきます。 立山黒部アルペンルートとは、標高3,000mにもなる山々で構成された北アルプスを貫く、世界でも有数の山岳観光ルートのことを指します。 バスやトロリーバス、ケーブルカーにロープウェイという乗り物を乗り継いでいくだけで、立山黒部アルペンルートの素晴らしい絶景を堪能することが出来ます。 立山ロープウェイとは 立山ロープウェイは、立山黒部アルペンルートの途中にある大観峰駅と黒部平駅を繋いでいます。 立山ロープウェイは、ワンスパン方式という雪崩を防ぐために支柱を1本も使わず、駅と駅の間に張られたメインロープ（支索）の上を走行する方式を景観と環境の為に採用しています。 ワンスパンロープウェイとして日本一の運行距離を誇り、動画でも紹介されている立山黒部アルペンルートにある立山連峰等の絶景の大パノラマを堪能することが出来る有数の観光スポットです。 大観峰駅には展望台もあるので、ぜひ美しい景色をご覧下さい。 立山ロープウェイだけじゃない！立山黒部アルペンルートの魅力 立山ロープウェイに焦点を当てた動画でしたが、立山黒部アルペンルートの観光名所としての魅力はそれだけに留まりません。 立山山麓の絶景を楽しむことが出来る美女平、トロリーバスで通る立山トンネル、4月から6月にかけて巨大な雪の壁を見ることが出来る雪の大谷等、観光スポットが盛り沢山です。 立山ロープウェイのまとめ 四季や気候によって違った美しさを見せる立山黒部アルペンルート、動画では紅葉がメインでしたが、冬には雪によってまた違った顔を見せてくれるので、ぜひ観光目的で足を運んで見て下さい。 立山ロープウェイと立山黒部アルペンルートが織りなす景色の素晴らしさに、動画以上の感動を味わえること間違い無しです。

世界遺産「厳島神社」をご紹介！ ここでは、世界遺産にも数えられている厳島神社と宮島について、『［4K］ 宮島と厳島神社（世界遺産） ltsukushima Shrine&Miyajima（World Heritage）宮島観光 広島観光 Hiroshima Trip』という動画を元に、紹介をさせて頂きます。 厳島神社は、広島県の宮島北東部にある紅葉の景色で有名な弥山の北麓に位置しており、世界遺産の一つに数えられています。 広島湾の海の上に建つ朱塗りの大鳥居と海上社殿は非常に幻想的です。 広島県においては、原爆ドームに並ぶ観光スポットとなっており、その幻想的な佇まいから、外国からの観光客も多いです。 日本三景「安芸の宮島」 宮島は松島と天橋立に並ぶ『日本三景』に数えられる程の景勝地となっています。 『安芸の宮島』とも呼ばれ、広島県廿日市市宮島口駅からフェリーでアクセスが出来る島です。 広島県の中でも、自然に恵まれた土地で、桜や紅葉による景色や景観は勿論のこと、表参道商店街では多くのグルメスポットがあります。 また街中に溶け込む鹿（ニホンジカ）も見どころの一つです。 厳島神社の"3つの顔" 広島県廿日市市に位置する宮島の代表的な建造物である厳島神社には、3つの顔があるとされています。 1つ目は、満潮時の広島湾に浮かぶ幻想的な佇まいの厳島神社。 2つ目は、干潮状態で社殿の足元が見える厳島神社。 3つ目が、燈籠に明かりが灯された、夜景での厳島神社。 いずれも魅力にあふれた景観ですので是非ご覧ください。 厳島神社と宮島のまとめ 広島県の宮島と厳島神社についてご紹介いたしました。 綺麗な景色に美味しい食べ物、素敵な思い出を作れること間違い無しの宮島と厳島神社にぜひ足を運んでみてください。