Official Author

児玉 勇（Yu Kodama）

The Powerful Sport, Jukendo! This video is titled "銃剣道 其の一 Jukendo PART1." Jukendo is a sport/martial art that looks very similar to Kendo. You wear protective gear similar to Kendo, but it uses a wooden gun with a bayonet to attack with mainly thrusting techniques as opposed to a shinai's slashing techniques. The guns are modeled after the rifles used by the old Japanese military, which had a rifle with a blade tip, and the sport is also called Jukenkakuto and other names. Because it is a very practical martial art, it has been incorporated into police and self-defense force training. Although the number of people who practice Jukendo is low, it was once a common martial arts class, and has been seen at national athletic meets, national championships, and national youth competitions. Basic Knowledge and Skills of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot The wooden gun, weighing 1.1 kg, with an overall length of 166 cm, is one of the most distinctive features of Jukendo. You can see it at 0:13 in the video. It is said that the Japanese style of Jukendo is the origin of modern Jukendo, whereas the western style of Jukendo was integrated with kendo. Historically, it is said to have originated at the end of the Edo period, when the style of fighting changed from swords to guns, and the tips of swords or daggers were attached to the tips of imported guns to be used as bayonets. The Rules of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot The rules of Jukendo were established by the All Japan Jukendo Federation, and nowadays it has become a competitive martial art. The rules are basically a one on one format, and fighters win by scoring strikes to the upper body, stomach, lower body, throat, wrist, and shoulder. Matches are held barefoot on the floor with no shoes on. You can see basic techniques at 1:03 in the video. The Appeal of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, you can see an interview with a Jukendo practitioner at 2:14, where he talks about the appeal of the martial art. Jukendo is a grueling sport, originally designed to kill with a combination of gun and sword, aiming at the left side of the chest where the heart is located, or the throat, but they all say with a smile that they are so happy when they win a match after rigorous training that all of the hardships along the way were worth it. Unlike a bamboo sword, Jukendo uses a weapon that is larger and heavier than a wooden sword, so if you're hit on the hand by your opponent, you may actually experience broken fingers. Therefore, in Jukendo, body parts that are easily targeted by thrusts are protected by thick armor. Hand wraps are also worn to minimize injury. Summary of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot Hiratsuka Tsuchizawa Junior High School in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the only school in the country that adopted Jukendo as a class, decided to end the class in 2018, and it became a widely talked about subject. However, the topic has increased awareness of Jukendo, and now it is said that the competition population is gradually increasing, with the number of dan (titles) recipients and female players on the rise. In all Japanese martial arts, it is important to train the mind and body and start and end with a bow. In particular, foul play is severely punished because there is a risk of serious injury if an offense is committed. It can be said that the key to aspiring to and becoming strong in Jukendo lies in the steady training of the body and mind. 【Official Homepage】All Japan Jukendo Federation http://www.jukendo.info/english

Five of Tokushima Prefecture's Most Attractive Tourist Spots This video, titled "Undiscovered Tokushima, The Real Tokushima ~ Full ~," was released by "The City of Water / Tokushima City Tourism Channel" (水都・徳島市観光チャンネル). Awa Odori is a famous attraction in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, located in Japan's Shikoku region, but there are many other attractive sightseeing spots in Tokushima Prefecture as well. This time, we'll introduce 5 recommended activities to enjoy in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. [Tokushima Recommendation #1] Traditional Performing Arts, Historical Heritages, and Other Japanese Culture Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 0:45 in the video, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, has a traditional culture called Awa Ningyo Joruri (a type of traditional puppet theatre), which is a nationally designated Important Intangible Cultural Property. In addition, Awa Aizome (indigo dyeing), seen from 0:39, is one of Tokushima's traditional industries. At the Aizome Craft Center (藍染工芸館, Aizome Kougeikan), you can experience aizome dyeing classes and buy craftwork that give you a sense of history and culture, as souvenirs. In addition, Tokushima is dotted with many historical heritage sites, such as ancient tombs, temples, and shrines. A valuable excavation site can be seen at Awashima Historic Park. It's a recommended sightseeing route for taking walks in Tokushima while feeling the history and culture. [Tokushima Recommendation #2] Shikoku Henro, a Temple Pilgrimage Photo：Ryozenji Temple, Tokushima Prefecture Shikoku Henro is a traditional pilgrimage in Japan. The first of the 88 temples in Shikoku, which were founded by Kobo Daishi, is Ryozenji Temple, located in Tokushima Prefecture. There are 22 pilgrimage sites in Tokushima Prefecture. The pilgrimage route also has shukuba (lodging), so if you're looking to complete the pilgrimage on foot consider staying at these. You can see images of the pilgrimage from 0:17 in the video. [Tokushima Recommendation #3] Activities To Enjoy With Children Photo：Bentenyama, Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, is also known as the city of water. Every July, there are lots of activities that you can enjoy with your children, such as the Tokushima Hyotanjima Water City Festival (徳島ひょうたん島水都祭り, Tokushima Hyotanjima Suito Matsuri) and the Hyotanjima Cruise! The model of Hyokkori Hyoutanjima, a puppet show on NHK, was Hyoutanjima in Tokushima City. And there's another recommended activity that you can enjoy with your children! That is, climbing the mountain, Bentenyama, which is famous as the smallest mountain in Japan. Adults can reach the summit in 1 minute! If you climb the stairs, there is a shrine that enshrines Benzaiten, so why not enjoy a casual mountain climb with your kids and bring along some lunch to enjoy as well? The Tokushima Zoo, where you can experience feeding animals, is also a little-known tourist spot. [Tokushima Recommendation #4] Local Gourmet Food in Tokushima Photo：Gourmet Food in Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima is full of finger-licking-good gourmet spots! The one we recommend most is the local okonomiyaki "Mametentama," which can only be eaten in Tokushima. This is sweetly stewed Kintoki beans made into tempura (Kakiage in Tokyo style) and then made into okonomiyaki. The okonomiyaki sauce and sweet beans are a perfect match and are totally addictive. If you get tired of walking, you can always take a break and try Tokushima's famous Taki-no-yakimochi, at a cafe in Mt. Bizan. Taki-no-yakimochi is a local dessert that uses the famous water from Kinryosui Spring on Mt. Bizan, which was loved by successive generations of Tokushima feudal lords. Matcha goes great with the slightly sweet mochi. If you're hungry, try Tokushima's specialty, Niku-dama ramen, and replenish your stamina! You can see the popular gourmet foods of Tokushima prefecture from 1:21 in the video. [Tokushima Recommendation #5] The Beautiful Natural Scenery of Mt. Bizan and Awa Odori Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the whole view of the cityscape of Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture from Mt. Bizan. Also, you can climb to the mountaintop from the 5th floor of the Awa Odori Hall (阿波おどり会館, Awaodori Kaikan) by ropeway; and during this, you can enjoy traveling through the air while enjoying a spectacular view of Mt. Bizan and the sea. Awa Odori is a must-see for anyone sightseeing in Tokushima. Awa Odori has a male dance and a female dance, and the dance is performed by an organization called "Ren" (連). Every August, the city of Tokushima comes to life with many locals and tourists attending the event. You can see the scenes of Awa Odori from 1:51 in the video. Summary of the Attractions of Tokushima Prefecture Photo：Yoshino River, Tokushima Prefecture In this article we introduced 5 exciting activities to enjoy in Tokushima Prefecture, but what do you think? The Yoshino River crosses through Tokushima, the city of water, and the sea of Tokushima is a mecca for surfing in Japan's Chugoku and Shikoku regions. In Japanese mythology, Shikoku is said to have been the first Island created in the Japanese archipelago, and it is a historically valuable place. Be sure to visit Tokushima Prefecture, a place of mythology, water, culture and history! When the Awa Odori Festival is held, reservations for hotels and inns will be limited, so we recommend making reservations early. 【Official Website】Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture City Hall Website https://www.city.tokushima.tokushima.jp/smph/

Mt. Daisen and Kitanizawa Stream in Tottori Prefecture This video, titled "[4K UHD] Summer Mt. Daisen and Kitanizawa stream" ([ 4K UHD ]夏の伯耆大山と木谷沢渓流 Mt.Daisen & Kitanisawa Stream in Summer), was created by AQUA Geo Graphic. It's an introductory video showing Mt. Daisen and Kitanizawa Stream. Mt. Daisen is a mountain at 1,729m (5,700 ft.) above sea level in Tottori prefecture, in Japan's Chugoku region. It is a stratovolcano, but it is not active at present. It is also known as the sacred peak that represents the Chugoku region of Japan. Mt. Daisen is sometimes called Pansan or Hoki Daisen. The name Hoki Daisen derives from the history of western Tottori Prefecture, which was once called Hoki Country. Mt. Daisen is a popular scenic location that has been selected as one of Japan's "Top 100 Mountains" and Japan's "Top 100 Views." The Kitanizawa Stream is a clear stream that originates from Mt. Daisen, and is also designated as a walking route for sightseeing on Mt. Daisen. It is filled with many tourists, especially during the fall foliage season. The video introduces the fresh greenery of Mt. Daisen and the Kitanizawa Stream in beautiful 4K footage. You can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, the chirping of birds, and the natural sounds of the flowing river, making it seem as if a mountain stream is actually flowing right in front of you. Mt. Daisen and Kitanizawa Stream- Two Beautiful Instagram Locations Photo：Kitanizawa mountain stream When visiting Mt. Daisen, we recommend taking a guided tour with the Oku-Daisen tour guide. It's a popular walking tour where you can enjoy the seasonal natural scenery, such as bird watching in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and snowshoeing in the winter. Keep in mind that the tours require a minimum of people before starting. Reservations can be made with the Kofu Tourism Association by phone or email. The first Saturday of the month is Kitanizawa Tour Day, which includes a photo and allows pets and elementary school students to accompany the tour. Feel free to sign up for this walking route, as it's a great way to capture some Instagram-worthy pictures. The crater at the top of Daisen is marked by the rim of a volcano, indicating that it was once a volcano. It's also locally called Hoki Fuji. If you fancy yourself a hike, why not try climbing to the famous Hoki Fuji Rim to see the natural landscape of Mt. Daisen? Speaking of Mt. Daisen, in winter, we recommend the Oku-Daisen Ski Resort. It's the largest ski resort in Tottori Prefecture, with 400 free parking spots. Reservations should be made early, as the resort is quite popular. Oku-Daisen Was Used for Suntory's Natural Water TV Commercials! Photo：Houki Fuji among the stars In 2017, a commercial for Suntory Natural Water, featuring world-renowned female artist Utada Hikaru, was set in Oku-Daisen, a famous mountain that is said to be the highest peak in the Chugoku region. Oku-Daisen is a place where the air and water are so clean that it is said to be a mountain of water, and the atmosphere of its mysterious forest is something straight out of an anime or some other mythological world! The numerous climbing spots capture the hearts of visitors. Okudaisen (奥大山) has a vast beech forest, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic mountains, and you can see the beautiful starry sky that Utada Hikaru sang about in the TV commercial "#Hoshi Suge" (These stars are beautiful!). The mountain stream that Utada Hikaru visited in the TV commercial is featured throughout this video, where you can enjoy the clear river water of the naturally flowing stream. If you watch the video, you might be able to feel what Utada Hikaru felt, surrounding by the natural beauty of Okudai Mountain. Mountain Climbing and Sightseeing at Mt. Daisen and Kitanizawa Stream Kofu City (江府町, Kofu cho), in Tottori Prefecture, is home to Oku-Daisen, mentioned earlier in the article. The air here is incredibly clear, making it a great place for stargazing, and many campers and photographers come here every year. In the surrounding downtown area and hotels, you can enjoy incredible gourmet cuisine, such as seafood from the Sea of Japan. Summary of Mt. Daisen and Kitanizawa Stream Photo：Scenery of Japan's southernmost station, Nishi-Daisen Station Hoki Daisen Station (JR West) in Yonago is a convenient way to get around, especially for trips to Mt. Daisen, home to the Kinayazawa Stream, one of the clearest rivers in Japan. We recommend using a local bus for transportation from Hoki Daisen Station to hotels, accommodations, and tourist destinations around Mt. Daisen. The highlight of this video is the Kitanizawa Stream, which is shown from 0:36 to the end of the video. The clear water flowing through the lush greenery of a mountain stream in summer, the beautiful moss on the rocks of the stream, and the beautiful sound of the river. It's a truly amazing atmosphere. The video is pleasing to both the eyes and ears. Please enjoy the beauty of Mt. Daisen and the Kitanizawa mountain stream.

What is Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens? This video, titled "Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens – Area Information｜Video Website｜Machi Log," introduces Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, a wooden, European-style building that was built more than 120 years ago in 1896 (year 29 of Meiji), for the founder of Mitsubishi, Hisaya Iwasaki. Due to the dissolution of the zaibatsu, as directed by SCAP after the war, the Iwasaki Family residence was requisitioned and they lost much of the buildings and garden; however it was later returned to the Japanese government. Presently, there are 3 buildings left, the Western-style building (main building), the billiard room, and the Japanese-style building. They are designated as important cultural properties. The building itself was designed by the Englishman, Josiah Conder. An authentic, wooden, Western-style 2 story building with a basement was very rare at the time and it is said to have eventually had a large influence on modern day Japanese housing. All of the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is open to the public as a metropolitan garden, and there is also a café there so it's teeming with people during lunchtime or seasons in which you can see the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The elegant Western-style building is also used for filming many TV dramas and movies thanks to its beautiful appearance. The Highlights of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Source :YouTube screenshot There are so many points of interest at Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens that we couldn't possibly cover them in one go. The architecture of the semi-Western mansion representing the wealthy of the Meiji era (1868-1912) immediately after the opening of the country, is considered to be a very modern style even by present-day standards. When you enter the house, the decorations, including vines wrapping around the wooden columns, catch one's eyes immediately. This particular design is called Jacobian-style architecture and was very popular in 19th century England. This can be seen from 1:10 in the video. The wooden billiards room is designed in the style of a Swiss mountain hut, which was rare in Japan at that time. The Japanese-style building, which was used by Hisaya Iwasaki, was decorated with screen paintings by the great Japanese artist, Masakuni Hashimoto. The billiards room can be seen at 1:58, and the Japanese-style building can be seen at 2:33 in the video. Finally, the greatest highlight of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is the rose garden that colors the entire lawn. In autumn, the Autumn Festival is held, and the scent of its roses fill the entire Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, captivating the many visitors. On the other hand, the serene Japanese-style garden has the look of a traditional Japanese garden, with garden stones, lanterns, and artificial miniature hills. At tea ceremonies, you can enjoy tea and Japanese confectioneries while enjoying the scenic nature of the seasons at the beautiful Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens. The Tumultuous History of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Source :YouTube screenshot Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is located at Ikenohata 1-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo, where the residence of the Takada Domain was located in the Edo period (1603-1868). After the Meiji Restoration, due to the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures in 1871, the Takada Domain was dissolved and it became the property of the former Maizuru clan governor, Sukeshige Makino. However, it was bought by Yataro Iwasaki who was part of a zaibatsu, and the 3rd generation head of that family, Hisaya Iwasaki, built Kyu-Iwasaki-tei. After the war, the zaibatsu were dissolved by SCAP, the building became government controlled, and was managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is indeed a monument that has survived a tumultuous history to the present day. Summary of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Photo：Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, the foundation of Japan's modern architecture, is currently undergoing restoration work on the lawn and is partly off-limits as of April 2020. Tours are still taking place; however, so why not visit Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens and get a taste of Japanese history? Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, a pillar of Japanese architectural history, is where Japan's modern architectural culture began. ◆Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens|Facility Overview ◆ 【Address】1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito Ward, Tokyo 110-0008 【Access】A 3-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (~10-minute walk from Shinobazu lake) walk from Shinobazu Pond） 【Admission Fee】General ¥400, Seniors over 65 ¥200, free for elementary school students and below and junior high school students who reside or attend school in Tokyo, and various discount rates such as group discounts 【Hours】9:00～16:30 【Closures】End of the Year, New Year’s Holiday 【Parking】Not available 【Telephone Number】03-3823-8340 【Official Website】Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens｜Let’s go to the park！ https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index035.html 【Tripadvisor】Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066461-d321036-Reviews-Kyu_Iwasakitei_Teien-Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Traditional Japanese Martial Art “Kendo” This video is "Best of Kendo~Awesome~" produced by "NAGASHI." Kendo is one of Japan's traditional martial arts. Many Japanese people know about the style of Kendo. What's so fascinating about this sport though? Kendo is a one-on-one competition where players wear a kendo uniform, armor, and use bamboo swords called "shinai." Kendo and other traditional Japanese martial arts are about valuing respect. Swords are of course weapons, but it is the human mind that controls them. Winning a match, according to the rules, means winning with the swordsmanship you've refined. The swordsman stay focused until after the match, when they've bowed to one another. This is standard Kendo etiquette. Kendo is said to be a martial art that begins and ends with a bow. The beauty of this Japanese culture may be one of the attractions of Kendo. In the video, you can see this etiquette from 0:05 and 5:57 in the second half. I hope that these videos will show the excellence of Kendo and the spirit, and harmony among Kendo fighters through their matches and practice, and at the same time, convey the beauty of Japanese martial arts as a whole. The History of Kendo Photo：Kendo Nowadays, the sport has federations all over the world, and not only schoolchildren's tournaments, inter-scholastic athletics competitions, and national championships, but matches are held all over the world. With the increase in the number of competitors, kendo's technical population has grown to about 1.7 million, but it was originally created to practice swordsmanship. It is a traditional martial art that inherited the soul of the samurai, which is said to have already existed in the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Kendo, as a competitive sport, had its own set of dan rankings and rules and instruction manuals from the Edo period (1603- 1868 AD). Gradually, the style came closer and closer to the style we have today. However, even now, having gone from martial arts to competition, it's practitioners still train their mind, body, and they still maintain proper etiquette. The Gear Required for Kendo Photo：Kendo "Men" The traditional Japanese martial art kendo requires a few pieces of gear. ・防具 Armor ・剣道着 Kendo uniform ・竹刀 Bamboo sword (sometimes wooden swords are used for training) ・小手 Kote(padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・面 Men(a face mask) ・垂れ Tare(waist protector) ・袴 Hakama(pleated and divided skirt made in fine stripes) You can purchase this gear at kendo specialty stores and kendo shops. For a moment, at 0:14 in the video, you can see the image of the camera attached inside a face mask. You can feel what Kendo is like in this scene. Japanese traditional martial art kendo rules Photo：Referee Kendo is a sport that trains the mind and body. The format of the matches are one-on-one individual matches, but there is also a team competition where 1 winner is crowned. A match in Kendo is between two players until two points are scored, or the time runs out. (One game = Three match) There are 3 valid targets to strike in order to score a point ・Men (the face mask) ・Kote(the padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・Do (the breastplate) Also, when it comes to matches for college students or older, two-sword style is also possible. It is rare in Japan, but is often seen in overseas kendo matches. Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most popular, and said to be the most powerful swordsmen in the world, was also a master of the two swords. From 0:25, the video introduces a number of matches. Not only do bamboo swords clash, but sometimes competitors are violently struck, propelling them into the air. This is not unexpected however, as it is a combat sport. Summary of the Fascinating, Traditional Japanese Martial Art, Kendo The appeal of kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, lies in the intensity of the matches. The dignified movements of these swordsmen are the result of daily rigorous training. There are rankings called "dan" in Kendo, but in order to receive a ranking, you must go through a rigorous certification test to obtain the title. The dojo where swordsmen practice everyday is packed with the lives of the swordsmen. Kendo is also said to be a lifelong sport. Please enjoy the video of the Kendo matches, that transcend both age and gender. 【Official Website】All Japan Kendo Federation https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/

Jonamagashi - A Popular Japanese Sweet From Kanazawa, Japan This video, titled "Jonamagashi: Kanazawa Food Culture, Seasonal Japanese Sweets｜nippon.com" (上生菓子：四季を彩る金沢の菓子文化| nippon.com), was created by "nippon.com." Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture was a castle town of the Kaga domain during the Edo Period, and the traditional Japanese sweets produced here are some of the best in Japan, on par with those produced in Kyoto (京都府) and Matsue, Shimane (島根県松江市). There are three main types of Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets): Higashi (干菓子), Namagashi (生菓子), and Jonamagashi. Of these three types of wagashi, Jonamagashi is thought to have played an integral role in the development of tea ceremony culture in Japan. Kanazawa is a city steeped in culture and history, second only to Kyoto in Japan, and has a tradition of producing high quality, artistic Jonamagashi famously decorated with gold leaf. A high level of skill is required to make Jonamagashi, which is what makes them so special amongst Japanese sweets. They are a confectionary that appeals to all five senses and are a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The History of Jonamagashi and Tea Ceremony Photo：Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony in Japan dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama Period when it was systematized by Sen no Rikyu (千利休) who is considered the founder of tea ceremony. It wasn't until the 1,700's, during the genroku portion of the Edo Period, that tea ceremony really spread throughout the rest of Japan, and Kanazawa is thought to be the birthplace of Noto (能登) Jonamagashi. Tea ceremony is held based on a particular theme, and the tools used vary depending on the chosen theme. This is called "dougugumi" (道具組). Wagashi are carefully selected and only those which complement the tools used in tea ceremony are chosen. This is also taken into consideration when creating Jonamagashi, resulting in a variety of beautiful shapes and designs. Artisan wagashi makers must channel all of their skills into the creation of one type of wagashi. You can hear Ishikawa Prefecture Tea Ceremony Association representative Sosui Oshima (大島宗翠) speak more about the subject from 0:54 in the video. How To Make Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot Second generation wagashi maker Hironobu Yoshihashi of the well-established wagashi store "Yoshihashi" (吉はし), which has been in business for over 70 years, is featured in the video from 1:17. Enjoy watching the skilled hands of the artisan wagashi makers. Since Japan has a very warm and humid climate, a high proportion of sugar is necessary to preserve the wagashi. However, in the past, sugar was a luxury product that could only be afforded by the rich and wealthy. A great deal of thought and care is put into the taste, texture, design and feel of Jonamagashi. Jonamagashi are often referred to as the ultimate wagashi, with an extremely high level of artistic quality. From 1:58 in the video, you can take a look at Jonamagashi which have been designed to represent each month of the year. Summary of Kanazawa's Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:45 in the video, you can see "Ajisai" (紫陽花), the most famous Jonamagashi. This is one of the items available for purchase at Kanazawa's wagashi store, "Yoshihashi". You can purchase Jonamagashi from Yoshihashi by ordering online before visiting the store. Beautiful Jonamagashi from the wagashi store Yoshihashi are the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip to Kanazawa! Jonamagashi are also a great way to enjoy the changing seasons, a treat which is pleasing for both the eyes and taste buds!

The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum This video, titled "Made in Tokyo 'Shunkaen BONSAI Museum'" (Made in Tokyo 『春花園　BONSAI美術館』), was released by the "Tokyo Metropolitan Government." Bonsai in Japan is generally regarded as a hobby of older people; however, outside of Japan it is very popular as a natural art that represents Japan. The "Shunkaen Bonsai Museum" featured in the video, is Japan's first bonsai museum opened by founder and bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi in Tokyo's Edogawa ward. Enjoy learning about Japan's traditional art form, bonsai, with this article. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! The Popularity of Bonsai Outside of Japan Photo：Bonsai Bonsai is a traditional culture in Japan, but it has a rather "plain" image. However, the high level of artistry of bonsai has become a well-talked about topic in Europe and other places around the world, and it is becoming synonymous with the term "Cool Japan." In the video, Kunio Kobayashi, bonsai artist and founder of the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, describes in an interview that "foreigners see bonsai as art." The bonsai exhibited at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum has been introduced on television and the Internet, and it has even gotten so popular that sightseeing and business tours to visit the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum have begun being held. The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum has bonsai trees that are more than 1,000 years old, as well as masterpieces that are priced at over 100 million yen. There are also many non-Japanese people who are fascinated by the advanced techniques utilized in the bonsai at Shunkaen, and have enrolled as students who aspire to follow the path of mastering bonsai. You can see the students of the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum from 1:02 in the video. About Kunio Kobayashi, the Founder of Shunkaen Bonsai Museum Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the achievements of Kunio Kobayashi, bonsai artist and founder of Shunkaen. ・ Sakufu-Ten (日本盆栽作風展) - Received a total of 13 awards, including the Prime Minister's Award four times and the award from the Minister of Education twice. ・ Koju-Ten (皐樹展) - Received the Koju Exhibition Grand Prize 5 times ・ Received the International Art and Culture Award (国際芸術文化賞) ・ Received the Cultural Encouragement Award (文化奨励賞) and Cultural Merit Award (文化功労賞) from Tokyo's Edogawa Ward He has been giving lectures overseas, mainly in Europe, the Americas, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, and teaching bonsai classes where people can experience the art of bonsai. On top of that, he is also a writer who has written books such as "The Art of Bonsai - Heaven," "The Art of Bonsai - Earth," and "BONSAI." Facility Overview for the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum Photo：Bonsai Shunkaen BONSAI Museum is the first bonsai museum in Japan that opened in Niihori, Edogawa, Tokyo on April 3, 2002. The Shunkaen BONSAI Museum is a secluded museum hidden away in the middle of the city, and at first glance, it looks nothing like the modern museums of today, but rather a Japanese home with a garden. Approximately 1,000 bonsai pots are always on display in the vast garden, and you can observe many valuable works up close. Summary of the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum Photo：Bonsai Nowadays, the number of enthusiastic fans of bonsai continues to increase outside of Japan, but even among overseas bonsai enthusiasts, Japan is said to be a mecca for the traditional art, and many fans visit to appreciate or purchase bonsai every year. Until recently, however, there was no official museum specializing in bonsai in Japan. Taking note of this, bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi invested more than one billion yen of his own money to create the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum at his own expense, to share the beauty of the traditional art form with the world. The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum is made up of open-style exhibits where you can see work up close without any obstacles such as fences or acrylic cases. Sales of bonsai and bonsai classes are also held at the museum. Many of the bonsai works are evergreen trees, and can be admired in any season, so consider dropping by the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum to enjoy one of Japan's many beautiful traditional art forms! ◆Shunkaen Bonsai Museum｜Facility Overview◆ 【Address】1-29-16 Niihori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 【Access】Get on the Keisei Bus No. 76 from JR East Japan Koiwa Station and get off at “Keiyoguchi” 【Hours】10:00 - 17:00 【Holidays】Monday (Open on National Holidays) 【Admission Fee】General: ¥800 (incl. tax) 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】03-3670-8622 【Official Website】Shunkaen Website http://www.kunio-kobayashi.com/en/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Shunkaen BONSAI Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066445-d4294281-Reviews-Shunkaen_BONSAI_Museum-Edogawa_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

A Look at Hotel Shoho, One of the Top 100 Hotels and Ryokans in Japan Hotel Shoho, introduced in this video, is a famous hot spring hotel in Shinshu (信州, Shinshu) Matsumoto (松本,Matsumoto) in Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-Ken) Here, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine with excellent ingredients, and spectacular views of the Northern Alps from the open-air baths using natural hot spring water. Hotel Shoho has received high reviews on review and comparison websites. The hotel has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Hotels and Ryokans" in Japan, as selected by professionals, so we mean it when we say that this hotel is worth the visit. In this article, we will introduce you to the interior facilities of the Japanese modernist (hotel-style ryokan) onsen inn, filled with the rich nature of Shinshu, healing, relaxation, and hospitality. Sit back and enjoy a taste of this luxury hotel style onsen ryokan (Japanese style hot spring inn)! Enjoy Some of the Finest Gourmet Food in Japan at Hotel Shoho Source :YouTube screenshot First, we’ll introduce three restaurants in Hotel Shoho, all of which offer dishes using local ingredients from Shinshu. At ‘Shunsai Dining Shinshu,’ they offer freshly prepared dishes, such as Shinshu beef in an open kitchen, and the guests enjoy the meal in a private room. The second restaurant is the Japanese restaurant ‘Shokusai Kamikochi,’ which boasts a private space that offers freshly cooked Shinshu brand ingredients. We recommend this restaurant for small groups. The third one is the dinner / Izakaya style restaurant ‘Kihachi.’ Here, you can enjoy more than 40 kinds of local Sake. The Japanese cuisine, cooked by the first-class Itamae chef utilizing the bounty of the mountain, served side-by-side with local Shinshu Sake, are beautifully arranged. Be sure to take some pictures for your instagram! The Hotel Spectacular Views of Shoho's Prized Guest Rooms and Splendid Open-Air Baths Source :YouTube screenshot Hotel Shoho has both Japanese-style rooms and western-style rooms, and each room is equipped with an onsen bath. In the VIP room on the top floor, you can enjoy a large panoramic view in the open-air bath. The pride of Hotel Shoho is the open-air bath overlooking the Northern Alps and Matsumoto Castle. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Matsumoto while soaking in a relaxing hot spring. The open-air bath is open from 3 PM to 11 PM for women and from 6 AM to 11 AM for men. You can also walk around the hotel wearing a Yukata. Sightseeing Around Shinshu Matsumoto ©Suganu0405 Modifying The area around Shinshu Matsumoto is a land surrounded by the Northern Alps, with scenic spots such as Azumino, Kamikochi and the national treasure Matsumoto Castle. Kamikochi is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, and is a popular tourist sight, with 2 million people visiting the location every year to enjoy mountain climbing and hiking. The water of the rivers and ponds is crystal clear and are famous for their shiny emerald color. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors of Shinshu on your sightseeing tour around Hotel Shoho, you've got to check out Utsukushigahara plateau! Utsukushigahara Onsen has footbath and a one-day bath as well, making it a popular spot where guests at Hotel Shoho can spend their time relaxing. Shinshu is known for its harsh climate, but is blessed with colorful natural scenery, such as cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and beautiful snowscapes in winter, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery no matter when they visit. Summary of Hotel Shoho The Hotel Shoho official website is updated with day trip plans and other various events. Amenities for children are also provided, making it a great place for family trips as well. Rates vary by plan, season, and day of the week. Due to the popularity of this inn, we recommend booking as soon as possible. The video also gives a look at the atmosphere of Hotel Shoho's rooms, restaurants, and hot springs. We hope this article has inspired you to visit Hotel Shoho; It's definitely worth the visit! There's a free shuttle bus available by the police station near JR Matsumoto Station that will take you to Hotel Shohoho. Remember, when booking your trip, the sooner the better! ◆Hotel Shoho Facility Overview◆ 【Address】527 Yamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture 〒390-0221 【Access】20 minutes by taxi from Matsumoto Station on the JR Chuo Line 【Parking】Available 【Tel】+81 263-38-7711 【Official Website 】Hotel Shoho http://www.hotel-shoho.jp/en/

PR Video of Mountain Climbing at the Northern Alps' Hakuba Mountain Range- "The Backbone of Japan" This official PR video of Hakuba village, titled “Hakuba village [Dramatic Nature Days – Mountain]"（白馬村公式ムービー【Dramatic Nature Days - Mountain】）” is a time-lapse video produced by the Hakuba tourist office. The Northern Alps' Hakuba Mountain Range is located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago. Its structure, which lies between the Japanese sea and the Pacific Ocean, creates dynamic scenery. This two minutes video features the beautiful views of the Hakuba mountain range and recommended tourist spots in Hakuba village. Events in Hakuba, Nagano Photo：Hakuba Village in the Spring Hakuba village in Nagano prefecture is a popular tourist spot in Japan. Tourists can enjoy various activities throughout the year, such as hot springs, mountain climbing, skiing, cycling, and camping. It is also famous as a summer resort where many tourists visit due to it's comfortable climate. The Northern Alps is a great location where people can enjoy various outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain climbing while seeing fabulous natural views including flowers, snow, wildlife, and more. The Northern Alps - The Mountaineer Mecca Photo：The Northern Alps The rugged mountains shown in the video are the Northern Alps. Hakuba Village is one of Japan's most famous mountaineering spots thanks to the Hakuba mountain range. The Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji are two of the world's most sacred mountaineering destinations and attract many climbers every year, but the Hakuba mountain range has more than 17 of the most famous peaks. “Shirouma-dake,” “Shakushi-dake,” and “Yariga-dake” are well-known as “The Three Peaks of Hakuba.” Some of the peaks are: ・Goryu-dake (9,232 ft.) (~0:44) ・Karamatu-dake (8,845 ft.) (~0:49) ・Yariga-dake (9524 ft.) (~1:22) ・Shakushi-dake (9,225 ft.) (~1:26) ・Shirouma-dake (9,619 ft.) (~1:42) If you enjoy climbing, be sure to carry rain gear and a map, even if you're enjoying a beginner's trekking trail, as the weather in the mountains can change easily. In the Hakuba mountain range, you can see rare alpine flowers and animals that cannot be found in the plains. Taking a commemorative photo with the Hakuba mountain range in the background is a great way to remember your trip. Be sure to share it on Instagram! The Hot Springs of Hakuba Village Source :YouTube screenshot Hakuba village is very popular as a hot springs area. The most recommended spot is "Hakuba Yari Onsen" (白馬鑓温泉) in the middle of Yariga-dake. You can see this hot spring in this video at 0:33. The view of the rising sun and star sprinkled sky from the open air bath are remarkable! 100 people can stay at the Hakuba Yari Onsen lodge and about 15 people can stay in a tent. The Yari Onsen lodge is a great spot where visitors can enjoy both hot springs and nature. If you would like more information about other accommodations in Hakuba village as well as access information, please see the official website of Yariga Onsen or the Hakuba village tourist office's website. The Nagano Olympics in Hakuba Village Be sure to check out the following facilities used as competition venues during the Nagano Olympics: ・HAPPO ONE SNOW RESORT ・Hakuba Ski Slope ・Hakuba Cross Country Stadium "Snow Harp" Hakuba village is in a snowy area of Japan. Visitors can enjoy skiing or snow boarding in fresh powdery snow. You'll be amazed at the amazing snowscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Summary of Hakuba Village Photo：Hakuba mountain and Oide Park in spring Hakuba village is a great tourist spot with fierce weather and rich natural surroundings. There are other attractive places that weren't shown in the video as well. For example, you can remnants of the Jomon period at Aoni in Hakuba village. Also there are other experienced based activities where you can feel the history and culture of Japan, such as making Tonbo dama (glass beads), watching fireflies, or making soba (Japanese noodles). You can enjoy the magnificent views of Hakuba mountain range in this video. The vast sea of clouds extending to the horizon (0:06) and the star sprinkled skies (1:08) will take your breath away. 【Official Website】Hakuba Village Official Tourist Website https://www.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/english/ 【Official Website】Hakuba Village Office Official Website https://www.vill.hakuba.lg.jp/

A Popular Sightseeing Spot, Sera Kogen Farm, Boasts a Vast 65,000㎡ Tulip Field This video is "[4K] Tulips in full bloom Hiroshima • Sera Kogen Farm Tulips Hiroshima Japan Sightseeing" produced by "Discover Nippon（［4K］Tulips in full bloom広島•世羅高原農場のチューリップ Sera Kogen Farm 広島観光 JAPAN Hiroshima）." "Sera Kogen Farm" located in the Japan's Chugoku region, in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a hidden sightseeing spot with the largest flower garden in west Japan. It is a tourist farm where you can enjoy different flowery scenery in each season, but was originally opened in 1978 as a leaf tobacco farm. In the vast garden, there are facilities such as an observatory and the Sera Kogen Flower Forest, as well as tulip fields, sunflower fields, English roses, dahlia, and moss phlox. They also cultivate radish, corn, and more. There's also an event where you can experience harvesting and sowing. In this video, you'll see a beautiful 4K image of "Sera Kogen Farm," where colorful tulips are in full bloom. After watching this video, you're sure to want to visit the beautiful scenery of "Sera Kogen Farm." About the seasonal flowers that can be seen at Sera Kogen Farm Photo：Tulip Field As you can see from 0:58, the Sera Kogen Farm grows more than 750,000 tulips of 300 varieties on its 65,000 square meter tulip farm. We recommend going to see "Hanae," which occurs when the tulips bloom. It's a superb view created by planting different varieties of plants in certain areas to create images in the fields. This can be seen at 1:19 in the video. The sunflower field, which is as large as the tulip field, is planted with 1.1 million sunflowers of 50 varieties, and the Sunflower Festival is held every summer during the blooming season. There are also dahlia in autumn. There are 550 varieties of dahlias of all shapes and sizes, but the most spectacular are the gigantic flowers, which are over 30 cm in diameter. In addition, they cultivate different seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, moss phlox, roses, nemophilia, and poppies. Tulips at the Sera Kogen Farm Source :YouTube screenshot Before we move further, be sure to check out the "Hanae" which can be seen at 1:19 in the video. Red, white, yellow, pink, and purple tulips paint large, beautiful pictures in the fields. From 4:44 you can see not only the tulips, but also the Sera Kogen Farm surrounded by beautiful greenery. At 6:20 you can see the tulips that are dyed in the setting sun. It is a fantastic landscape, with the nighttime view being different from the daytime view. If the weather is nice you can take some great pictures as well. Events at Sera Kogen Farm Photo：Sera Kogen Farm's Sunflower Field At the Sera Kogen Farm, there are events such as the photography class by photo contest judges, spring flower photo contest, cherry blossom festival & tulip festival, rose photo contest, the planting experience classroom, the sunflower festival, and more. The flowery scenery that blooms in the vast fields is great for taking Instagram pics as well. Dining at Sera Kogen Farm The park has a restaurant and a flower café where you can enjoy herbal tea. At the stall you can buy harvested corn and flower bulbs as souvenirs. The menus using freshly grilled corn and vegetables harvested in the garden are all excellent, so if you're hungry, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat here. The Surrounding Area of Sera Kogen Farm Please use a car or a local bus to access the Sera Kogen Farm, the largest flower field in west Japan. There is a free parking lot at the farm that can hold up to 1,000 vehicles. It takes about 15 minutes from the Sera Interchange on the Onomichi Matsue Line, about 40 minutes from the Kawachi Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway, and about 40 minutes from the Miyoshi Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. Please note that nearby roads are crowded when the flowers are in bloom. Summary of Sera Kogen Farm Source :YouTube screenshot At the Sera Kogen Farm, you can enjoy seasonal flowers and plants at one of the largest flower fields in Japan. It also has hands-on activities that families, and couples can enjoy. Admission is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children (as of November 2019). If you still haven't yet, be sure to watch the video to see the amazing views of Sera Kogen Farm! It's truly something you don't want to miss. ◆Sera Kogen Farm◆ 【Address】1124-11 Besako, Sera-cho, Sera-gun, Hiroshima 【Access】15 minutes from the Sera Interchange on the Onomichi Matsue Line, about 40 minutes from the Kawachi Interchange on the Sanyo Expressway, and about 40 minutes from the Miyoshi Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway 【Entrance fee】800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children (as of November 2019) 【Opening Days】Outside of the event period, the park is closed for maintenance and flower growth. 【Parking】Available (1,000 cars) Free 【Phone number】0847-24-0014 【Official Website】Flowers Make Everyone Happy | Sera Kogen Farm 2019 https://sera.ne.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sera Kogen Farm https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121400-d1424066-Reviews-Sera_Kogen_Farm-Sera_cho_Sera_gun_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku.html