Official Author

山本 孝（Takashi Yamamoto）

The PR Video for Edo Houki This video, produced by "edocore4117", shows the process of creating a traditional Edo Houki (broom), designated a Cultural Property by Edogawa Ward (江戸川区 : Edogawa-ku), by Katsumi Arai, a Japanese broom maker. Katsumi Arai himself is the second generation to make Edo Houki, a traditional craft handed down from the Edo period, and has been making it for 60 years. At present, there are only two broom craftsmen in Tokyo, Katsumi Arai and the craftsman from the old Edo Houki shop, Shirakiya Denbei. This video features broom maker Katsumi Arai working in peaceful silence. His handiwork and craftsmanship is remarkable. Take a look at the techniques of a craftsman who has preserved a tradition handed down from one generation to the next. What Are Edo Houki? Source :YouTube screenshot Edo Houki are said to have originated near the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) when the Shirokiya Nakamura Denbei Store, founded in 1830, began making brooms from a plant called "Houkimorokoshi." Since then, Edo Houki makers have improved their brooms to be lighter and more comfortable to use. There are two type of brooms: “Niwa Houki,” for outdoor use, and “Zashiki Houki,” for indoor use. Both types of brooms were must-have items back in the day. There used to be 40 to 50 Edo Houki shops in Edogawa-ward, but the number of shops has decreased as of late due to vacuum cleaners being more popular, as well as there being fewer Japanese style rooms. The historical culture of traditional craftsmanship, that has continued for nearly 200 years, has been handed down to Mr. Arai Katsumi. How to Make Edo Houki This video clip features the manufacturing process of an Edo Houki. First, broom makers separate the houkimorokoshi which will be used to make the brooms, into high-grade and low-grade. This sorting process is very time-consuming, as it has a significant effect on the finished product. After the sorting process is completed, they soak the houkimorokoshi in water to soften the tips of the ears. The process involves wrapping hemp thread around the stems and tying them tightly. Source :YouTube screenshot After that, a certain amount of houki grasses are bundled together. Two or more bundles are threaded onto a skewer and wound together. You can see this crafting process in the video at 0:21. The thickness of houki grasses varies widely. Whether or not the appropriate materials are selected depends entirely on the skills of the craftsman. It may seem easy, but it requires a lot of experience and skill. After they're tied, a long handle is attached to them. You can see this scene in the footage from 4:55. The craftsman uses a string and wire to attach a long handle. The knot is tied tightly so that it will not come off, and sometimes it is adjusted by tapping it with a hammer. You can see how difficult this is in the footage from 5:54. All process, including Kushigata (the process of decorating it) are conducted by the craftsman. Every step shows the skills of a master craftsman who has inherited the culture of a traditional craft. Thoughts of an Edo Houki Craftsman Making Edo Houki requires a lot of physical strength. According to Katsumi Arai, while he is called a craftsman, he does not see himself as one. Tough Times for Edo Houki Photo：Roomba During the 1960s and the 1970s, electric vacuum cleaners began to become popular, and today, automatic vacuum cleaners such as the Roomba are available. The demand for newer, electric, and even automatic cleaning devices, created an unfavorable market for the traditional Japanese craft. However, in recent years, Edo Houki have been given as gifts, presents, and souvenirs by those overseas, and the commercial value of Edo Houki has increased to the point where it is now considered a work of art and traditional craft. Summary of Edo Houki What are the advantages of using a traditional Edo Houki in the age of modern vacuum cleaners? First, it's quiet. Second, it's effective at removing dust from tatami. And lastly, you can feel the traditional culture of the Edo Period in its handle. Because of this, the Edo Houki, which is guaranteed to last 10 years, is being reevaluated by many. If you're interested in Edo Houki, be sure to check out some online shopping sites like Amazon or Rakuten. The price range of Edo Houki ranges anywhere from several thousand yen to up to 10,000 yen (~$10-$100 USD). Give the traditional Edo craft a try!

Makomanai Takino Cemetery’s "Hill of the Buddha" in Sapporo, Hokkaido "Introduction to the Hill of the Buddha" (頭大仏の紹介), is a video about the Hill of the Buddha, a symbol of Makomanai Takino Cemetery where you can see the head of the Great Buddha. At Makomanai Takino Cemetery, you can also see a vast landscape of lavender hills with more than 15 thousand lavenders. This dramatic Hill of the Buddha, standing at the top of a dome-shaped slope, was designed by Ando Tadao, a famous architect, in 2016 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Makomanai Takino Cemetery. It is made up of 57 parts, which were selected and processed from 4,000 tons of unpolished stones. It is 13.5 meters high and weighs 1,500 tons. Initially, it was called “Mitama Kuyo Daibutsu.” You can see the Great Buddha in its entirety from 0:08 in the video. The construction of the Hill of the Buddha began in October 2013 and finished in 2016. As you can see from 0:56 in the video, the hardest part of this project was growing the 15 thousand lavenders. With the advice of lavender farmers and the help of volunteers, they succeeded in growing the lavenders from seed. It took about three years to build the Hill of the Buddha, and the construction process can be seen from 1:31 in the video. Makomanai Takino Cemetery's Hill of the Buddha Source :YouTube screenshot The Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Sapporo, Hokkaido, features the Great Buddha poking his head out from the lavender hill. According to the architect Ando Tadao, the purpose of this is to emphasize the gratitude of the Great Buddha as “that which you cannot see stimulates the imagination.” As you can see from 4:07 in the video, there is an approach with lavenders when entering Makomanai Takino Cemetery. There is also a water garden, which is a bypass of the pathway behind the approach. The water is a boundary to purify mind and to awaken the extraordinary. After going through the water garden, there is a tunnel that goes through the hill, which is shown at 4:25 in the video. The tunnel represents the womb and is lined with concrete folds. You can see the Great Buddha as you pass through the tunnel, and the panoramic view of the Buddha, which you can see along the 135-meter walk, is even more impressive. The light from the sky lights up the Buddha and surrounds you with artistic scenery. Learn About the Construction Process at the Gallery and Café Source :YouTube screenshot Next to the water-basin, there is a gallery where you can see the construction process of the Hill of the Buddha. Here, you can find out what the famous architect Ando Tadao had in mind when he designed the project. Across the gallery, lays the “Rotunda Café and Store.” You can enjoy snacks and tea and buy original merchandise and souvenirs here. It was opened in 2018 as a rest station, due to the increase of foreign tourists. Also, there are replicas of Easter Island’s Moai statues, which carry the meaning of “living into the future,” as well as a replica of Stonehenge. Information About Makomanai Takino Cemetery Photo：The Great Buddha Access to Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo City, Hokkaido is 20-30 minutes from Makomanai Station by bus from the Namboku Subway Line. Times may vary by season, so check out the homepage for more details. If you are driving, you can use the free parking areas in the south and north. The lots have a capacity of 245 cars, so be sure to check the map if you're planning on driving. There is a 300 yen (~$3 USD) "lavender maintenance fee" you must pay if you want to see the Hill of the Buddha. It is open from 7 am to 7 pm during summer, and 7 am to 6 pm during winter. Enjoy Art at Sapporo's Newest Spiritual Site! Source :YouTube screenshot Are you interested in visiting the Hill of the Buddha? The Hill of the Buddha is a new sightseeing spot in Sapporo, Hokkaido, not only for its powerful atmosphere, but also for its refreshing and beautiful scenery. If you're thinking about visiting Hokkaido, be sure to stop by! ◆Information◆ 【Address】2-3 Takino, Minami, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862 【Access】20 to 30 minutes by bus from Metro Namboku Line, Makomanai Station 【Admission Fee】~300 yen lavender maintenance fee 【Hours】 7 am to 7 pm during summer. 7 am to 6 pm during winter 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】 011-592-1223 【Official Website】Makomanai Takino Cemetery https://www.takinoreien.com/ 【Tripadvisor】Makomanai Takino Cemetery https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298560-d12597229-Reviews-Makomanai_Takino_Cemetery-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html

吉野山の景色を4Kで見よう こちらの動画は「Discover Nippon」が公開した「4K 吉野山の桜 NARA JAPAN Cherry blossom Mt.Yoshino吉野観光 世界遺産 日本の桜 桜の名所 花見 満開 hanami 金峯山寺 奈良観光 信仰 千本桜」です。 こちらの動画では奈良県吉野山の絶景と山桜の映像を4Kで見ることができ、ユネスコ世界遺産となった紀伊山地の霊場と修験道の史跡風景を楽しめることができます。 吉野山の桜観光へ行こう 吉野山は日本有数の桜の観光名所です。 吉野桜と言う言葉があるほどに吉野山全体が春には桜で溢れ、絶景とともに美しい景観の桜を観光することができます。 動画の1分3秒あたりから紹介されているように、吉野山には中千本から吉水神社までの千本桜を「一目千本桜」と呼ばれ、世界遺産の景勝地吉水神社からの中千本の桜は絶景です。 また、吉水神社の中には南北朝時代の寺院文献が展示されており、文化的な観光できます。 また、吉野山のロープウェイは、吉野山駅から見る下千本の春もみじと呼ばれる紅葉は桜のピンク色と並んで非常に美しい観光エリアです。 吉野山周辺には駐車場やホテルが少ないので、車でアクセスする場合は地図やルートなどの情報を確認してから行きましょう。 金峯山寺空に見るシロヤマザクラ 吉野山の桜は金峯山寺からの奥千本と呼ばれる景色も美しいです。 金峯山寺の本尊である「蔵王顕現」が桜の木で彫刻されているのが、吉野山に神木として桜が多く植えられた理由でもあります。 この品種がシロヤマザクラと呼ばれるもので儚げで可憐な様子が吉野山の桜の多くを占めています。 奈良の気候から、3月頃から4月にかけてが桜の見頃になり多くのイベントが催されます。 吉野山の奥庭周辺では吉野川沿いにキャンブ場が複数あり、雄大な自然と歴史ある観光名所を眺めながら優雅にハイキングやバーベキューなどを楽しむことができます。 吉野山の夜桜はライトアップも実施されています。 下千本の七曲坂や中千本の五郎平周辺、上千本の大塔の宮迎徳碑周辺になります。 昼間の吉野山は多くの人で混雑していますが、夜桜の時間はやや人が減るため、ゆっくりと観光することができます。 ご当地グルメの歌藤旅館の葛餅を食べよう！ 吉野山観光で欠かせないのはご当地スイーツの葛餅（くずもち）です。 中千本には多くの飲食店があり、なかでも歌藤旅館の葛餅がおすすめです。 吉野山の特産である本葛粉を使っており、吉野山の観光には欠かせないご当地スイーツになっています。 またランチには葛うどんといった変わった料理も食べられます。 吉野山の桜観光紹介まとめ こちらの動画では、まるでそこにいるかのように美しい吉野山の景色が映像になっています。 毎年多くの旅行客が訪れる人気の吉野山で、一目千本桜とまで言われる吉野山の桜のお花見を堪能してください。

長野県信州新町の「ろうかく梅園」について こちらの動画は「haruyuki onoue」が公開した「信州新町のろうかく梅園2019・4K」です。 こちらの動画では長野県信州新町の「ろうかく梅園」をご紹介します。 4Kで撮影された「ろうかく梅園」の梅の花の映像は非常に美しいのでぜひ御覧ください。 「ろうかく湖」は信州新町の犀川の中に作られた人工の湖です。 その「ろうかく湖」に架かる橋を渡ると長野県が誇る名所信州新町の「ろうかく梅園」が見えます。 4ヘクタールの梅園では竜峡小梅という品種の梅を生産しています。 満開の梅は紅白のコントラストが絶景です。 更に、夏には花火大会が行われるなど四季折々のイベントが行われています。 楼閣梅園の梅の見頃 信州新町「ろうかく梅園」の開花状況は長野市のホームページにて確認できます。 例年の見頃は3月下旬から4月頃上旬になります。 また、長野県には同様に伊那梅園という梅園もあり、こちらは2万坪に38種類もの梅が7,000本が植えられ、「ろうかく梅園」と並んでお花見の名所となっています。 こちらの梅園は標高850ｍの高地にあり、平地にある梅よりも遅い開花時期で鑑賞することができます。 梅肉エキスなどの梅に関するお土産も販売しています。 6月〜7月には梅の実を収穫する体験も行っているので様々な時期に訪れても楽しめます。 信州新町「ろうかく梅園」でジンギスカンを食べよう！ 4月の初旬には「ろうかく梅園花祭り」が行われます。 花まつりの中で人気のグルメが信州新町名物のジンギスカンです。 焼肉や農産物・特産品なども販売されるのでお花見に合わせてこれらを楽しむのもおすすめです。 「ろうかく梅園」の花まつり期間中ではジンギスカンセットも販売されており、ござ・ガス・コンロ・鉄板などを貸し出ししているので手ぶらでジンギスカンを堪能しながら梅の景色を楽しむことができます。 信州新町は古くから羊の飼育をしており、そのためジンギスカン料理も有名になりました。 信州新町のジンギスカンはあらかじめお肉を漬け込んでおくのが特徴で、お店ごとに異なる味付けを比べてみるのも楽しいかもしれません。 「ろうかく梅園」へのアクセス 「ろうかく梅園」へのアクセスは長野方面から国道19号で信州新町川中島バス営業所先を左折して1分の場所にあります。 無料駐車場があるのでそちらを利用しましょう。 長野ICからは車で40分、新幹線では北陸新幹線長野駅からバスで45分、その後徒歩で10分ほど。 また周辺には善光寺や戸隠神社奥社などの歴史ある穴場スポットもありますよ。 長野県信州新町の「ろうかく梅園」紹介まとめ 長野県信州新町のろうかく梅園は全国にある梅の景勝地でもランキング上位の観光地です。 温暖な気候の春のはじまりに紅白それぞれの特徴を備えた梅とジンギスカンを楽しんでください！

秋田県で行われる横手かまくら雪まつり こちらの動画は「Discover Nippon」が公開した「［4K］Snow scene Winter Japan 秋田県•横手かまくら祭り Yokote Kamakura Festival 秋田観光 雪まつり JAPAN 雪景色　日本の冬」です。 横手かまくらとは秋田県で毎年2月に開催される伝統の「横手の雪まつり」で作られる大きなかまくらのことです。 この祭りの特徴は、「はいってたんせ」と、高さ3ｍにもなる「かまくら」の中へと招く子どもたちに手を引かれ、甘酒やお餅などをごちそうになり、凍える冬の寒さを忘れるひとときを過ごすことができます。 秋田県の横手かまくらの歴史と伝統文化 秋田県横手市の横手かまくら祭りには450年もの歴史があります。 江戸時代には鎌倉大明神を祀り、門松を立てお神酒を奉り、しめ縄を燃やすことで無病息災を祈念していました。 商人の間では、小正月行事祭りとして水神様を祀り、繁栄祈願をしました。 今でも伝統としてかまくらの内部の神棚にはろうそくと水神様が祀られている様子が動画の1:33からご覧になることができます。 また、日本のかまくらの歴史や伝統文化について学習するには、秋田県の横手駅から徒歩10分の横手市ふれあいセンターかまくら館がおすすめです。 横手のかまくらが伝統として継承されてきた歴史を展示しているので、イベントをより深く楽しむことができます。 ここでは四季に関係なく、秋田に降った雪で作られたかまくらが展示されています。 横手かまくら体験以外にも多くのイベントが開催 横手かまくら祭りの100基のかまくらの中でろうそくが灯されている景色は幻想的かつインスタ映え間違いなしです。 また、秋田県横手市にはかまくらをモチーフにしたものがたくさんあり、地域の情報を報道するFMかまくらや、秋の横手を自転車で走るかまくらライドといったイベントまであります。 横手かまくらが伝統として地域に根付いている証拠でしょう。 秋田の日本伝統的祭り「横手かまくらの雪まつり」紹介まとめ 今回の動画は秋田の横手かまくらに関する日本伝統の雪祭りについて紹介しました。 日本の雪まつりの中でも歴史と伝統文化のある横手かまくら祭りをぜひ体験してみてください！

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/

The Gorgeous "Lover’s Cape" in Wakayama Prefecture! This video, titled "Lover's Cape - Wakayama - 恋人岬," introduces Lover’s Cape, a famous tourist spot in Susami, Wakayama prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. Lover's cape is also included in the "8 Scenic Views of Susami." The fierce waves split after hitting Kuroshima, and the shape and action of the 2 waves hitting each other again is said to be similar to putting one’s hands together in pray, thus, the waves are called "Gassho Nami" (合掌, Gassho, "Putting one's hands together in prayer, 波, Nami "Wave"). You can see the waves coming together at 0:48 in the video. The mysterious waves are called "Meotonami" (夫婦波, Wedded Waves) and the towering rocks are called "Meoto Iwa" (夫婦岩, Wedded Rocks) and has been selected as one of the "66 Waterfront Areas to Be Cherished in Wakayama" for its beautiful view. Because of its romantic name and scenery, it is popular with couples, and as the name "Lover's Cape" implies, many couples visit here. Lover’s Cape, a Popular Tourist Spot in Wakayama Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Lover’s Cape, introduced in the video, has 2 main attractions. The first is a cave called "Gama," located on the west side of Kuroshima. Here, you can enjoy scuba diving from March to the end of April and from late June to the end of October. Historically, there is a legend that it contains hidden treasures of the Kumano navy, and many people visit during scuba diving season. The second attraction at Lover's Cape is that between October and January and between April and September, the slopes of Lover's Cape are covered with bougainvillea flowers. You can also enjoy fishing here as well. Lover’s Cape is A 15-minute walk from Mirozu Station or a 15-minute drive from the Susami Interchange on the Kisei Expressway. Free parking is also available, so be sure to take advantage of it if you're going by car. The Waves of Lover's Cape Photo：Wakayama prefecture・Meotonami Lover's Cape consists of two islands one with a large reef and the other with a small reef. The islands are called Oki-no-Kuroshima and Riku-no-Kuroshima respectively. The Karekinada coastline, which was formed by upheaval and erosion of the Kii Peninsula, is famous for the phenomenon known as "Tombolo," where a road is formed between the two islands, and you can enjoy the dynamic ocean with waves on both sides. The entire island of Esuzaki Island in Wakayama Prefecture, where Lover's Cape is located, is a sacred area, and Kuroshima Benzaiten (a Buddhist goddess) is located at the bottom of the cliff at Lover's Cape. The bright red torii gate can be seen at 1:48 in the video as well. The view from Lover’s Cape in Wakayama prefecture Photo：Susami・Sunset from Roadside Station Susami The sunset that can be seen from Lover’s Cape is so gorgeous that it was chosen as one of the Top 100 Sunrise / Sunset Views of Wakayama Prefecture, and many tourists travel to see it. Being that "Meotonami" was selected as one of the "8 Scenic Views of Susami," it's a great place to quietly spend time gazing at the sunset and waves. There is also a restaurant at Lover's Cape called Italian Café BUSH. The interior of the restaurant is modeled in a Mediterranean style and you can enjoy pastas or pizza made with local ingredients. Their business hours are 9:00-18:00 so you can appreciate Wakayama prefecture’s sunset while enjoying a delicious meal at the restaurant. Lover’s Capes Around the World Photo：Izu・Lover's Cape Bell In addition to Lover's Cape in Wakayama Prefecture, there are many other Lover's Capes around the world. At Lover's Cape in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, there's a story about a man who rang a bell when he passed through the cape, and it is said that if you call out the name of your beloved while ringing the bell, your love will be fulfilled. Lover's Cape in Guam is a spot where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Tumon Bay, which is depicted on the national flag of Guam. It's called "Lover's Cape" because of a story about a couple who pledged their eternal love to each other and jumped into the sea. The Lover’s Cape in Kashiwazaki in Niigata prefecture, is located at the Nihonkai Fisherman’s Cape, and it is a place where you can ring a bell with a heart-shaped plate for good romantic fortune. Summary of Lover’s Cape Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think about Lover's Cape? Lover’s Peak is definitely a place to go to when sightseeing in Wakayama. It has incredible views of nature romantic sunsets as well. Be sure to bring your lover with you when you visit! 【Official Website】Lover’s Cape – Izu City Tourist Information dedicated website http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/form1.html?pid=2528 【Trip Advisor】Lover’s Cape https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121354-d8538044-Reviews-Lover_s_Cape-Susami_cho_Nishimuro_gun_Wakayama_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Kyoto Railway Museum and It's Precious Trains This video, titled "Things to Do: Kyoto Railway Museum [4K]," is an introduction to the Kyoto Railway Museum located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. It is produced by Discover Kyoto. You can feel the history and tradition of Japanese railways at the Kyoto Railway Museum. It houses valuable train cars and is also one of the biggest railway museums in Japan. With beautiful 4K images, you can watch popular train cars from both the past and present. Experience the excitement you once felt as a child when you first saw a train, with this video. Various Experiences at the Kyoto Railway Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The main attraction of the museum is that you can experience riding a train car that is led by a real steam locomotive, the SL Steam. There are limited opportunities to ride a steam locomotive in Japan, so it'll definitely be an experience to remember. You can see the steam locomotives at the start of the video. After a day's work, the cinders are removed, and new coals and water are loaded. This process is referred to as feeding water to the boiler. Watching the steam locomotive dynamically change direction is a sight to behold. You can see your favorite cars up close and personal as they're displayed in the vehicle factory. You can train yourself as a train driver with the driving simulator in the new building which was reopened in 2018 (1:27) You can try operating a bullet train, too! In addition, there is a corner where visitors can try out the ATS/ATC experience, a train safety system that uses a camera mounted on a model train, a CTC display, a centralized vehicle management system, and there's also a track cycle experience as well. The railway diorama quite elaborate; diorama shows are performed by specialized operators with pictures, lights, and announcements. It is just like you are watching a live feed. You can actually purchase a train ticket and put it through a transparent automatic ticket gate, and learn about the structure of the gate. It's a Great Place for Kids! Source :YouTube screenshot The museum is well suited for kids as well. They can enjoy a spacious playground and a large W7 series model; they can spend the whole day there without getting bored. The video shows the kids’ park around 1:52. It's also unique in that there are a number of facilities where you can actually touch and learn about how railways work, such as, through the reproduction of a station. You can see reproductions of stations from the start of Showa Era (circa 1926) to the present. There also are sections where you can learn about the structure of a coupler, signals, blocks, and coordinating points. The Sky Terrace is on the third floor; you can see trains and bullet trains from the rooftop. You can take pictures of JR trains with cherry blossoms in the spring that go through Umekoji Park (2:00). The Facilities and Train Car Displays Source :YouTube screenshot There are various facilities at the museum. The Library, Special Exhibition Room, Life and the Railway, the Promenade, Twilight Plaza, Steam Locomotive No. 2 Service Shed, Roundhouse Platform, The Former Nijo Station House, Job Station, History Station, and Future Station are not to be missed. Among the fifty-three displayed train cars, there is the SL Steam, Bullet train, Sleeper Express Train, Bonnet-type Express Train (one of the National Railway’s major trains), Heavy Capacity Flatcars, Container Express trains, Diesel locomotives, and Diesel Cars. Access to the Museum The Kyoto Railway Museum is easily accessible from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station which was opened in March 2019. There is no parking lot available, so you should park your car at nearby metered-parking. If you ride a bus to the museum, you can buy a one-day ticket with 10% off. You can also get a great deal if you buy a ticket for Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium as a set. An advance ticket is very convenient as you can avoid waiting in a line. Restaurants at the Museum There is a restaurant in the museum where you can have lunch looking out big windows at bullet trains. A boxed lunch and kids’ lunch are also available in the dining car of a blue train, which is known as a moving hotel. Umekoji Park Café in Kyoto Umekoji Park is only a minute away on foot from the museum. It is a very popular place to eat, too. Recommended Souvenirs Getting souvenirs is one of the greatest experiences when visiting Japan. Otabe, which is famous for Nama Yatsuhashi, a Japanese-style confectionery, and Fugetsudo, a long-established confectioner, collaborated with the museum to produce a souvenir whose package features a train. It is a very well-received souvenir. Visit Kyoto Railway Museum Photo：Kyoto Railway Museum The museum collaborated with a popular Japanese toy called Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion in 2019, and a stamp collecting event was also held at the museum. After watching the video, you must be itching to visit the museum. Be sure to check out the video if you haven't yet. It's full of amazing trains that'll get your heart racing! ◆Kyoto Railway Museum◆ 【Address】Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8835 【Access】Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Umekoji-Kyotonishi station Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station 【Entrance fee】Adults: 1,200 yen (~$12 USD) University and high school students: 1,000 yen Junior high and grade school students: 500 yen Children (3 years and older): 200 yen 【Hours】10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 【Closures】Wednesdays except on holidays, year-end and New Year holidays(as of November 2019) 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】+81-570-080-462 【Official Website】Kyoto Railway Museum http://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Kyoto Railway Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d10251298-Reviews-Kyoto_Railway_Museum-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Flame Pottery of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "Nagaoka City [Wow! Nagaoka] 80 Years Since the Discovery Flame Pots｜Sharing Jomon Culture With the World!" (長岡市「ナルホド！ながおか」－～火焔土器発見から80年～ 縄文文化を世界に発信！), was created by "nagaokacity." The Jomon period flame pots discovered in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan, were named after boldly decorated earthenware with four chicken-crowned handles and serrated protrusions, resembling a burning flame. Source :YouTube screenshot A replica monument of flame pots was set up in the high speed train concourse of JR Nagaoka Station, and the unveiling ceremony for the flame pots monument was held on January 13, 1987. Taro Okamoto, who attended the unveiling ceremony, says he had never encountered such an astounding aesthetic. This can be seen at 0:30 in the video. Approximately 80 years ago, flame pots were excavated at the Umataka Archeological Site in Sekihara, Nagaoka City in 1936. It was excavated by archeologists, Kensaburo Kondo and his parents, and later became a nationally designated historic site as the "Umataka and Sanju Inaba Archeological Site" because of the elucidation of the settlement and the discovery of pristine artifacts. The Mataka Jomon Museum opened in Nagaoka City in 2009 as a museum facility to preserve, exhibit and utilize these materials. This is the only museum in Japan with the theme of flame pots, and the museum has over 1,000 items on display. In 2014, the Emperor and Empress of Japan also visited the museum. This can be seen at 2:46 in the video. How Flame Pots Were Made Source :YouTube screenshot Looking at the designs, it's easy to tell that these are not simple designs. So then how were flame pots made? Flame-type pottery, including flame pots was used to cook food just like earthenware pots. This is known because they were found to be covered with soot and burnt residue. There are two classifications for these vessels: flame pots and flame-style pottery. Flame pots were the first vessels to be excavated by Kondo Junsaburo, while "flame-type pottery" is distinguished from similar pottery excavated thereafter. This is explained from 2:51 in the video by the Chief of the Umataka Jomon Museum. It is generally believed that flame pots are made by piling up triangles of clay to make jagged edges, and then attaching strings of clay to them and firing them to create unique patterns. You can see how flame pots are made in detail at 4:35 in the video. A similar type of earthenware is crown pots, but they have distinctly different rims and handles, and are thought to have been historically different from flame-type pottery. Sharing Flame Pots With the World Source :YouTube screenshot The Shinanogawa Flame Highway Cooperation has been working together with 4 cities and 1 town to promote the adoption of flame pot designs for the Olympic torch stand in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At the 1964 Olympic Games in Niigata, a flaming earthenware torch stand was used, and it is still standing in the Niigata City Athletics Stadium today. These activities are widely performed by the Jomon Culture Supporters, an organization that makes 3D images of flame pots and flame-type pottery available to the public, and also holds workshops such as the Nagaoka Pottery Club to publicize their appeal. In addition, the British Museum in London has a permanent exhibition of flame pots and manholes with motifs of flame-style pottery and famous fireworks shows. Tokamachi Flame Pots: A National Treasure Flame-style pottery excavated at the Sasayama Archeological Site in Tokamachi City was recognized as a national treasure in 1999, and is preserved in the Tokamachi City Museum as an important cultural property of Japan, and as deep bowl-shaped pottery excavated from the Sasayama Archeological Site in Niigata Prefecture. Meanwhile, the story of the flame pots of Nagaoka City, "Flame -Style Pottery of the Shinano River Valley and the Culture of the Snow Country," has been recognized as a Japanese heritage. Summary of Flame Pots Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about ancient Jomon pottery? The pottery, discovered in Nagaoka City, Niigata, is incredibly beautiful and impressively designed considering when it was made. This video shows the beauty of the art and the flow of history that attracts many people. If you like pottery, be sure to visit Nagaoka City!

Toyosu Market's "Edomae Jokamachi" Is Open for Business! This video is titled "[Edomae Jokamachi] Opened on the 24th in Toyosu Market." It introduces Edomae Jokamachi, a popular destination opened for a limited time in Tokyo's Toyosu Market in 2020. To mark the opening on January 24, 2020, a commemorative ceremony and preview were held the day before. The interior of the Edomae Jokamachi, seen from 0:12 in the video, is in a traditional Japanese style completely made of wood. There are 21 restaurants. including charcoal-grill restaurants and sushi restaurants that use fresh seafood delivered directly from Toyosu Market, as well as Oden restaurants. There are also 70 shops located here as well. Governor Yuriko Koike can be seen enjoying her visit to the preview of Edomae Jokamachi at 0:48 in the video. Limited Time Items at Edomae Jokamachi Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of Edomae Jokamachi is the shops selling limited time items! At 1:08, you can see the sweets made by Nishikawawa, a fruit wholesaler at Toyosu Market, and other shops that offer fresh seasonal ingredients. The main purpose of opening Edomae Jokamachi was to create a lively market. Originally, the facility was scheduled to open with the relocation of Toyosu Market in 2018 creating a flood of customers, but due to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's difficult negotiations with the operator, the opening was pushed back to the spring of 2023. Edomae Jokamachi General Information Source :YouTube screenshot