Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

Check Out This Video About Ryokusuien in Fukushima This video「四季の里 緑水苑の春（福島県 郡山市・本宮市）」is about a beautiful Japanese garden located in Ryokusuien (Koriyama city/Motomiya city Fukushima). You can see beautiful weeping cherry blossoms during this 3-minute video clip. You can see the majestic figure of Mount Adatara which has a bit of snow left on it at 0:03 in the video. Please enjoy watching the beautiful spring scenery in Japan in the video. What Can You Explore at Ryokusuien in Fukushima? Photo：Spring at Ryokusuien Ryokusuien is a popular Japanese garden that is built along Gohyaku river between Kikutamachi Horiuchi in Koriyama city and Iwane in Motomiya city. One of the most attractive things to enjoy is walking around and seeing the beautiful seasonal flowers and hearing the calm rivers flowing. Especially in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, tourists are enchanted by breathtaking scenery all around. What Kinds of Flowers Bloom at Ryokusuien? Photo：Spring at Ryokusuien There are about 2500 cherry blossoms blooming in early spring at Ryokusuien. There are also many kinds of flowers blooming such as plums, peach trees, forsythias, rose bays, moss pinks, daffodils, skunk cabbages and irises, and more. In the Fall you can enjoy the falling leaves such as those of the ginkgo and maple. Stroll through the cherry blossom viewing spots where you can enjoy scenery of all four seasons. It really calms the spirits. Take a Trip to Ryokusuien! Source :YouTube screenshot We recommend taking a walk around Hana no Teien (the flower garden). On the way, you can see various kinds of trees and stones such as Suikinkutsu(stone pot), Keikaboku (fossil tree trunks), Ushi no Ki (a tree shaped like a cow), Kame no Ishi (a stone shaped like a turtle) and Azumaya(Chickee). When Fall comes, Imoni (outdoor food festival) is held in the barbecue area. Don't worry about bringing meat, vegetables, rice balls, etc. You can buy them there. It's also a great location for those who have pets to bring with them to the dog park. Summary of Ryokusuien in Fukushima Source :YouTube screenshot We introduced you to a video of the spring scenery at Ryokusuien in Fukushima. As you can see, it is surrounded by cherry blossoms which makes it a great place to take Instagram photos. We would recommend checking when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom before visiting to get the best experience. ◆Ryokusuien - A Village of Four Seasons◆ 【Address】Koriyama city Kikuta MachiHorinouchi Akatumae 71 to Motomiya Iwane Kawahara 208-1 【Access】About a 15-minute by car from Tohoku Expressway/Koriyama IC ・Hongu 【Admission fee】 Adults 500 yen Students(elementary/junior high) 300 yen (May 1st to July 20th) Adults 300 yen Students (elementary/junior high) 200 yen (April 1st to April 30th, July 21st to December 31st) 【Visiting hours】Spring/Summer: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Fall/Winter:8:30 am to 4 pm 【Parking】ordinary vehicles 200, fully equipped accomodations, and 10 large buses (free) 【 Phone】024-959-6764 【Official Website】Shiki no Sato Ryokusuien Kikutamachi Koriyama, Fukushima http://ryokusuien.com/

Introducing the video of Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu! This video, “Niseko Mt. Resort Grand HIRAFU 2019-20 Snow Season PV” released by “Niseko Mt. Resort Grand HIRAFU”, is an introductory video of Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu in Hokkaido. You will be able to enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and chair snowboarding at Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu. The snow quantity and quality of the courses are perfect and there is a sheer variety of courses and they are vast in width as well. Equipped with lifts, gondolas, jumping platforms, and the night ski area, you can comfortably ski on the powder snow course. What Kind of Ski Resort Is Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu? Photo：Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, Hokkaido Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, which is part of "Niseko United" that spreads out at the foot of Niseko Annupuri, is located in Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, located in the Hirafu area, has been attracting an increasing number of tourists, and is known for having the first night operation gondola in Japan in 1986. The Mountain Center Annex also opened in 2019. The Charm of Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu Photo：Mt. Yotei from Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu・Hokkaido Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu has an attractive course with a magnificent view that overlooks the majestic Mt. Yotei, one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. There is an early morning skiing plan as well as night skiing plans. There's also a mountain center store, a kids park, and a kids room, so if you're coming with kids or forgot to pick up a few essentials, be sure to check these out. There are also fireworks at night, creating a fantastical atmosphere for you to enjoy. If you want to enjoy gourmet Hokkaido cuisine in the area, we recommend restaurants such as Hotel Niseko Alpen's Japanese cuisine "Shokusai Hirafu," "Lounge Cowbell" that sells western style cuisine, and "Restaurant Slalom." Tourist Information for Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu Photo：Niseko Area, Hokkaido The area around Niseko is also great for sightseeing outside of the skiing and snowboarding season. Consider checking out the NAC Niseko Adventure Center NAC Niseko Adventure Park and challenge yourself to activities, such as nature hiking! There are many hotels with hot springs in the Hirafu Onsenkyo area where Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu is located, so we recommend checking out all of the different accommodations offered and choosing one that suits your visit. Summary of Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu Photo：Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, Hokkaido Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy action packed winter activities, like those shown in the video. You can check out what it's like to ski on the white slopes at 0:21, see snowboarding from 1:17, and chair snowboarding from 2:07 in the video. Hopefully this video has you pumped up and ready to go skiing and snowboarding at Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu. Make sure to check business hours, bus information, lift tickets, rental information, and live cameras before visiting! 【Official Website】Niseko Grand Hirafu [NISEKO Mt RESORT Grand HIRAFU]｜Official Website https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu Ski Resort https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1025639-d1424106-Reviews-Niseko_Mountain_Resort_Grand_Hirafu_Ski_Place-Kutchan_cho_Abuta_gun_Hokkaido.html

Introducing ZAO Onsen Ski Resort This video, titled "ZAO Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort" introduces the slopes of ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. It was released by the "Yamagata City Tourism Association." As an individual snow resort, it is the largest ski resort in Japan, with many people visiting from inside and outside of Japan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Feel refreshed by gliding through the magnificent nature of the Zao Mountain Range. If you want to experience an unforgettable skiing trip, ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is what you're looking for. How to Enjoy ZAO Onsen Ski Resort Photo：ZAO Onsen Ski Resort ZAO Onsen ski resort is located in Yamagata city, Yamagata prefecture (Tohoku district). The video around shows one of their slopes called “Uenodai slope” at around 1:52. There's also “Nakamori slope” (video 3:28), and “Yokokura slope”(video 6:11) that you can access via the “Zao Sky cable” or “Zao central ropeway” which is introduced in the video around 2:20. The “Yokokura Wall” (video 6:42) is known for its steep incline of 38° and is popular among experienced skiers and snowboarders. ZAO Onsen Ski Resort also has the Zao Jumping Platform in Yamagata City, a jumping stadium authorized by the FIS (International Ski Federation). Zao Jizoson (蔵王地蔵尊), Zao Gongen(蔵王大権現), and Zao Daikokuten(蔵王大黒天), known as the three great gods of Zao, are enshrined in the mountains of Zao, which was once a sacred place for mountain worship and are a must-see. The video introduces them around 9:07. Stay at ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata City, a Popular Tourist Destination Year Round! The Onsen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort was discovered and developed by Kibino Tagayu 1900 years ago and is an acidic sulphur spring. It's also called a beauty spring because it revitalizes blood vessels and cultivates beautiful skin. In the hot springs town (温泉街), there are large public baths, day spas, and footbaths that can be used casually. You can also book a room at popular inns and hotels such as Takamiya or Omiya Ryokan, and enjoy the famous hot springs. Information on Zao Onsen is shown in the video from 9:35. Don’t miss out on the gourmet foods, such as Yamagata's famous rice flowers and konjac when you visit Zao. Summary of ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture Photo：Zao Onsen ski resort and ice on trees As you can see in the video, ZAO Onsen Ski Resort, one of the largest snow resorts in Tohoku, is attractive because of its powdery snow and spectacular views of ice fields. People enjoy taking in the beautiful scenery while skiing on the powdery snow. ZAO Onsen Ski Resort is also open at night and the ski resort is lit up so you can stay overnight and enjoy an entire day skiing! We also recommend visiting ZAO Onsen Ski Resort using a bus tour plan. There are websites and live cameras that allow you to check the weather, snow coverage, prices for a lift ticket and rental gear before you visit as well. 【Official Website】ZAO Onsen Ski Resort http://www.zao-ski.or.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】ZAO Onsen Ski Resort https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023191-d1425459-Reviews-Yamagata_Zao_Onsen_Ski_Resort-Yamagata_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

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

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

“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/

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/

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!