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ひろ（HIRO）

Learn About the Traditional Performing Art and Japanese Musical Instrument Shinobue This video [Shinobue performance, Kazuya Sato (Maihime) 2013/05/24]（篠笛奏者 佐藤和哉「舞姫」2013.05.24） was created by "NAM .Grafik". The Shinobue is a simple Japanese woodwind instrument made of bamboo, which is wrapped in rattan and painted with lacquer to prevent cracking. It's very similar in structure to the flute. The Shinobue is often played during theatrical performances alongside Japanese Taiko drums, folk songs and festival music. Shinobue performances have been during dinners and banquets have been enjoyed by the general public for hundreds of years. This video contains footage of the male Shinobue artist Kazuya Sato performing the melody Maihime. Before we get further into the video, please check out the video, and enjoy listening to the simple and soft tone of the Shinobue. Introducing the History of the Shinobue Photo：Shinobue The Shinobue rose in popularity during the Heian period (794-1185 AD) and became loved by the people as a traditional Japanese musical instrument. The Shinobue has a very simplistic design: it consists of one hole used to blow air into and the remaining holes are used to place one's fingers upon to create different tones. There are two different types of Shinobue: the Hayashi type and the Uta type. The Hayashi type Shinobue (classical type) contains similar sized holes that have not been tuned and therefore are more suited to group performances. The Uta type, on the other hand, has varying sized holes that have been tuned and can be used to play melodies and solo performances. The pitch of the Shinobue depends on its length: the shorter the Shinobue the higher its pitch. Shinobue artists usually carry several Shinobue to play during a single performance. There are 13 possible tones that can be played using the Shinobue. The sheet music for Shinobue is called Shinobue Unshihyou, which translates to Shinobue fingering sheet. You can find several types of Shinobue for sale; Susutake or soot-colored Shinobue being the most expensive. Shishidaryuu, Ranjou and Rippei are a few popular brands of Shinobue and buying one can cost anywhere from a few thousand yen to more than ten times that price. About Kazuya Sato's Performance "Maihime" Source :YouTube screenshot The artist in this video, Kazuya Sato, performs the melody "Maihime" in a modern solo style. The soft and simple tone of the Shinobue, which sounds almost like a soft singing voice, is guaranteed to calm the mind. Other famous Shinobue artists include Tamura Yuuko (who studied under Kanou Yasukazu), Katano Satoshi, and Takeuchi Naoko. As well as performing on stage, Kazuya Sato composes his own original music and teaches the traditional Japanese musical instrument Shinobue to beginners. Shinobue Performance Information Source :YouTube screenshot The Shinobue artist Kazuya Sato is currently performing in concerts all over the country. For those who are interested, please check Kazuya Sato's official home page for more information on performance dates and locations. If you were captivated by the beautiful sound of the Shinobue, we highly recommend going to a concert to see a live performance! In this video, from 0:08 to 4:16, you can listen to the full Shinobue performance of Maihime. Please listen and enjoy! 【Official Website】Shinobue Artist Kazuya Sato https://www.kazuyasato.com/

Introducing Dinnerware and Cutlery for Families Who Love to Camp While leisure and other activities are limited due to the Corona pandemic, camping, which can be enjoyed outdoors, has become very popular in Japan. Here we'll introduce camping accessories that family campers have found useful. Check out these compact items and how to neatly store them. Video Introduction This video, titled "Introducing Family Camping Dishes, Cutlery, and Cookers!" (Introduce items such as family camp dishes, cutlery and cooker!) was uploaded by "Pahta / Camp." It introduces recommended dinnerware, cutlery, cookers, and other camping items for family camping that can fit in a Seattle Sports Frost Pak Soft Cooler! The video introduces cutlery and dinnerware sets for a family of four, including two children and two adults, neatly stored in a soft cooler. This video is recommended for beginners as it explains the appeal of each camping item, what to look for, design features, and materials. The way they're stored is also very helpful. Be sure to check it out in the video! Storing Camping Dinnerware and Cutlery Neatly and Compactly Source :YouTube screenshot The video begins with the opening of a SEATTLE SPORTS Frost Pack 25QT, which stores dinnerware and cutlery, and which is useful for camping with a family. The Seattle Sports Frostpack 25QT is an American-born brand synonymous with soft coolers. When camping solo, you can also take your family's portion of dinnerware and cutlery out of the bag and go camping with less weight. Now, let's take a look at the items introduced in the video. Basic Camping Rice Cooker and Kettle Source :YouTube screenshot Introduced first are bottles for making tea and water, a rice cooker for cooking rice, and a kettle for boiling water. Rice is a staple food in Japan and it's great for cooking when camping as well. Snow Peak, the cookware, can also be used to make soup and rice, and the lid can be used as a frying pan. ・1 liter Nalgene bottle: Used to store water ・UNIFLAME Rice Cooker Mini DX: Used to cook rice ・Trangia Kettle 0.9L (aluminum): Used to boil water ・Snow Peak Trek 1400 (aluminum): Cooking utensils Titanium Dinnerware and Cutlery Photo：Outdoor dinnerware Titanium is a suitable material for dinnerware because of its high heat resistance. If the heat from hot soup or other food is transferred directly to your dinnerware, it can cause burns when eating. In this respect, titanium dinnerware stays relatively cool, allowing you to eat without worrying about being burned by your cutlery. [Video] 2:53 - Introduction of cutlery Cups, cutlery, and other items featured in the video. The first titanium sierra cup that PAHTA (the youtuber) bought is a product that they recommend. It's a simple design, but the handle is designed so that it naturally hooks onto the middle finger when held, making it easy to hold and spill-resistant. ・Snow Peak Titanium Sierra Cup: Used for cooking and as dinnerware ・Snow Peak - Trek Titanium Bowl (discontinued) ・Snow Peak - Trek Titanium Plate (discontinued) ・Coleman - Cooking Tool Box 2: Holds mugs and cutlery ・Snow Peak - Stacking Mug Snow Peak H300: Mugs ・Snow Peak - Titanium Cutlery FS (discontinued): Forks and spoons ・OPINEL - Opinel No. 7 Round Tipped Stainless Steel Knife ・Windmill - Windmill JP Turbo Lighter ・A rice scoop and chop sticks ・MSR ALPINE DX Cutting Board: A small cutting board with stylish colors Titanium dinnerware and cutlery is popular partly because it is lightweight when carried to cleaning stations at camp. Another important feature that makes them popular is that they can be neatly stacked for easy storage. Useful Camping Gear for Drying Dishes Source :YouTube screenshot After eating at camp, it's necessary to clean up afterwards. Here we'll introduce some useful goods for cleaning up. ・Coleman Hanging Dry Net 2: A net for drying dishes outdoors ・Sponge and detergent for cleaning dinnerware ・HOLD & FOLD baby bottle stand (discontinued): used as a portable drying rack Featured in the video is a HOLD&FOLD baby bottle drying rack. After washing dishes, you'll want to dry them, but there are surprisingly few compact dish drying racks. The product shown in the video is a reused baby bottle holder but is compact and convenient. Summary For beginners who are thinking about getting camping equipment, videos and information from advanced campers who have actually used the equipment and are comfortable recommending it are a useful resource. It's important to choose camping equipment that is light, simple, and easy to use, and that can be stored neatly. As shown in the video, storing a family's worth of dinnerware, cutlery, and cookers in sets will decrease the chance that you forget something. Be sure to reference this video for camping information.

From Tenma to Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street This video, titled "Strolling through Osaka 2 - Tenma, Nakazakicho – Time travel back to the Showa era!"（大阪の街を歩く(2) 昭和にタイムスリップ！天満～天五中崎通商店街 Walking Osaka 2 - Tenma, Nakazakicho), was uploaded by " Panacealand." The Umekita area around the north exit of the JR Osaka Station (大阪駅: Osaka-eki ) is where urban renewal projects have been promoted and transformed the place into a new town full of high-rise buildings. On the other hand, the area a short ways away from the Osaka Station has off-streets and shopping centers that retain the down town and showa-era atmospheres. This is a 9 and a half minute video shot by a person who actually walked from Tenma Station to the Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street through Tenma Ekimae Kita Hondori. It feels as if you're actually walking through the retro-inspired street with many Japanese style bars and pubs. Roadside Stands! Source :YouTube screenshot Tenma Ekimae Kita Hondori located immediately north of the Tenma Station is called Uratenma. Many small stores like roadside stands line both sides of the street. Many people enjoy meals or even a slightly early happy hour here. As you can see from the video (1:30), people enjoy drinking in the middle of the day. There are various types of restaurants serving Kushikatsu, Ramen, Yakitori, Pasta, Sushi, and more, all at reasonable prices. What Is Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street Source :YouTube screenshot If you turn left after walking through the Tenma Ekimae Kita Hondori, you can see the entrance of the back street to the Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street (3:30). During this stroll, you walk across a famous shopping center called “Tenjinbashiuji Shotengai” (3:45). It's a roughly 400 meter long Shopping street that stretches all the way to Nakazaki Subway Station. Nakazaki-cho eki (中崎町駅: Nakazaki-cho station has various types of eating places serving French, Takoyaki, Sushi, Shaved ice, and coffee. It is also called “Oideyasu Street” and is famous for being “Osaka's Neighborhood Kitchen” . Many kinds of shops, new and old, line both sides of this street. Nakazaki-cho Station, which is a terminal of the Tanimachi Subway Line shown in this video (8:37), is next to the Osaka Station, and is accessible by foot. Summary of Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you were able to feel the nostalgia of the Shows era through the article and video. The video is actual footage from the Tenma Station to the Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping street, so be sure to check it out. You can feel the atmosphere of this street and what kinds of shops there are as well. This area is easily accessible through JR or the Tanimachi Subway line, and even on foot. This place is famous not just among Japanese, but due to its nostalgic atmosphere, it is also a popular spot among foreign tourists. Be sure to check it out if you have the chance!

"Tsukiji" - A Central Wholesale Market in Tokyo This video, titled "The Tuna King Reigns at Tsukiji Fish Market — Omakase Japan," was uploaded by "Eater." The video is an interview with Yukitaka Yamaguchi, a middle man wholesaler specializing in tuna, an important ingredient in Japanese food. He has a shop in Tsukiji Market, a central wholesale market in Tokyo. You can see him dressing a tuna and the beautiful, glossy cut of the tuna in this video. Tsukiji Market was opened in Tokyo in 1935 and it is one of the oldest comprehensive markets in Japan and one of the largest in the world in terms of seafood volume making it an important base for supporting Japanese food. Unfortunately, due to deterioration, the market was moved to "Toyosu Market" in October 2018. Tsukiji Market will be closed in the future, but the restaurants outside the market where you can eat fresh Japanese food still remain. They are very popular, especially among the tourists. This video was taken when Tsukiji Market was still open. An Intermediate Wholesaler Specializing In Tuna at Tsukiji Market Photo：Tsukiji Outer Market Yukitaka Yamaguchi is an intermediate wholesaler specializing in tuna, mainly bluefin tuna. Middlemen like Yamaguchi purchase tuna by participating in tuna auctions, and then sell it to retailers and restaurants. He is a particularly picky about the tenderness of the tuna used for sushi. He is a professional connoisseur who takes responsibility for his tuna and aims to be the best tuna seller in Tsukiji. He's introduced at 0:12 in the video. Tuna, A Valuable Ingredient in Japanese Cuisine Photo：Tuna In the past, red meat, called "zuke" in Japanese, was eaten and toro, a luxury food item today, was thrown out. It was not until sushi became available for the common people that sashimi toro came to be favored. Yukitaka Yamaguchi explains this from 0:44 in the video. His store sells five types of tuna: bluefin tuna, bigeyed tuna, yellowfin tuna, broadbill swordfish, and striped marlin. Yamaguchi purchases huge amounts of tuna to distribute to around 1,000 restaurants, mainly restaurants specializing in Japanese cuisine. He selects each tuna according to the cuisine it will be used for. Many restaurants rely on him as a tuna middleman to keep their business running smoothly. Summary of Tsukiji Market's Tuna King Photo：Tuna Yamaguchi says that the most exciting part of tuna is when he cuts in, because he cannot tell if it is a good tuna until he dress it. He gets really excited when he buys expensive tuna. Yamaguchi feels that tuna caught in fixed nets around Sado Island (佐渡島, Sado Shima) in the Sea of Japan in April and May, when the fat content is well-balanced, tastes the best, but he says that of the tens of thousands of tuna he handles, only about 100 per year are truly good, and they are rare. Because Yukitaka Yamaguchi loves tuna, he has been studying tuna and supporting the Japanese food culture of eating it! 【Tripadvisor】Toyosu Market https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134359-d15216764-Reviews-Toyosu_Market-Toyosu_Koto_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Sekiguchi Catholic Church, St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo The aerial video, "St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo" (空撮 東京カテドラル聖マリア大聖堂), was created by "FUJISAN DRONE BASE - (富士山ドローンベース)," using mainly a drone to gather amazing footage of St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo. St. Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic church in Tokyo designed by Kenzo Tange, one of the masters of modern Japanese architecture, also known as the "World's Tange." In this article, we'll introduce St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo. In the video we see an awesome aerial view of St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo, which is normally on seen from ground level. You'll be impressed by the beautiful reflection of the church in the evening and at night. What is St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo? Photo：St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo is a church located in the Bunkyo-ku area of Tokyo, a 15-minute walk from Edogawabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, across from the Chinzan-sō” building. It has the largest number of adherents in Japan in the Catholic Church's bishopric, which covers Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. It is also accessible by bus from Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote Line. It was originally built in a wooden Gothic style in 1899 as an auxiliary temple of "Maikai Juku" (玫瑰塾) but the building was destroyed by fire during the air raids of World War II in Tokyo. The present building being constructed in 1963. Outside the building is Lourdes Grotto, where you can see a magnificent statue of the Virgin Mary. You can see Lourdes Grotto at 2:09 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot There is also a bust of St. Francis Xavier and a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta found in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. Michelangelo's Pieta can be seen at 2:58 in the video. English Masses and lectures by a priest are also held at St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo and you don't need to be a follower to attend. Other events, such as a pipe organ concert, which can be seen at 3:16 in the video, are also held, and weddings and ceremonies can be held there as well. You can also tour the facility during public hours. Also in 2019, the Pope attended "World Youth Day" at St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo. St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo - Modern Japanese Architecture Source :YouTube screenshot St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo is a very popular building designed by Kenzo Tange. The building has a thin, curved, hyperbolic-parabolic shell structure, and the exterior walls are made of stainless steel. As you can see from 4:30, when viewed from the sky it's shaped like a cross. There are no pillars in the bare concrete interior, which gives it a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The inside of the building is shown at 2:27 in the video. The building was designed without the use of CG and 3D techniques, and was entirely hand drawn. Summary of St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot This video "St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo" introduces the beautiful catholic church in Tokyo, through aerial footage. In 1978, singer Doji Morita (森田童子) performed live at the Cathedral and the CD "St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo Recording" was released, allowing listeners to feel the atmosphere of the cathedral. Enjoy the video showing St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo glistening in the sunshine and its amazing structure in the nightscape of Tokyo. 【Tripadvisor】St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066442-d1373757-Reviews-St_Mary_s_Cathedral_Tokyo-Bunkyo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Introducing the Interior of the Tower of the Sun The video "Opening of the Interior of the Tower of the Sun," (「太陽の塔」内部を公開), released by SankeiNews, is a video about the reopening of the interior of the Tower of the Sun after the repairs and refurbishing completed in March 2018. The Tower of the Sun is a major work of art by artist Taro Okamoto, and is registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan. This article introduces the interior of the exhibit. The video introduces the restored 'Tree of Life' and the 'Sun of the Underworld'. The dynamism of the interior takes viewers to another world. About the Tower of the Sun Source :YouTube screenshot The Tower of the Sun was built together with the "Tower of Mother," the "Tower of Youth" and the "Big Roof" as part of the Japanese theme pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka in 1970. At 70 meters tall, with 25-meter-long arms, it's a gigantic piece of art. The golden face, located at the top, represents the future, and is 11 meters in diameter. The Face of the Sun, resting between 2 arms, represents the present, and the face on the back (the Black Sun) represents the past. Xenon arc lamps were used in the eyes of the Golden Face during the Expo. Originally, another face, the 'Sun of the Underworld' was located at the basement floor, but it went missing after the Expo. This 'phantom face' was eventually restored in the refurbishing work. The newly restored 'Sun of the Underworld' appears in the video at 0:50. The gallery inside displays the massive piece "Tree of Life" (1:13), which represents the evolution of creatures. Modern technology enabled these objects, originally attached to the artwork, to be restored. Only a model of gorilla with a damaged head (1:35) remains the same. The video navigates viewers through the tower's artistic interior, reminiscent of another dimension. The Tower of the Sun: Visitor Information Source :YouTube screenshot The Tower of the Sun is located at the Expo Commemoration Park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. It has been off limits since the event ended, but the prefectural government began refurbishing the tower's interior in 2017 and reopened it in March 2018. An event called 'Rebirth of the Tower of the Sun' was held to celebrate its reopening. Admission is by internet reservation only, and tickets are not sold on the day. To go by train, get off at Osaka Monorail Line Banpaku-kinen-koen Station and follow the slope to the park. Most people visiting by car use the Nihonteien-mae Parking Lot. Summary of the Tower of the Sun Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Opening of the Interior of the Tower of the Sun," introduces the reopening of the inside of the amazing artwork that has been loved as a symbol of the park for years. Enjoy the masterpiece of Taro Okamoto shown in the video. Go to the official website of the Tower of the Sun for more information and tickets. A museum shop located inside of the artwork stocks a variety of exclusive goods, including the popular "Tower of the Sun figurine" We hope this article has inspired you to visit the amazing work of art! ◆The Tower of the Sun - Museum Info◆ 【Address】1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826 JAPAN 【Access】Banpaku-kinen-koen Station 【Admission fee】Adults: 720 Yen (~$7 USD), Children: 310 Yen (As of April 2020) 【Opening Hours】10:00～17:00 【Closures】Please see the official website 【Parking】None 【TEL】0120-197-089 【Official Website】The Tower of the Sun https://taiyounotou-expo70.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】The Tower of the Sun (Banpaku kinen koen) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023474-d1407905-Reviews-The_Tower_of_the_Sun-Suita_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Summer at Niseko Village! YouTube screenshot is a promotional video titled "Niseko Village summer season 2017," created by “Niseko Village1.” It introduces summer at Niseko Village, a very popular tourist destination in Hokkaido, located in Northern Japan. Niseko Village is a resort facility that offers various kind of activities such as hot springs, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and more. It is a ski resort during the winter and it is well-known for its powdery snow. Lots of tourists visit here to enjoy skiing and snowboarding during winter. During summer, Niseko village offers a variety of activities. It also has good reviews on review websites from satisfied customers who have visited it, which is no surprise considering its outstanding natural landscape and the myriad of activities to enjoy. This two-minute-long video introduces the different activities and events that you can enjoy during summer at Niseko Village. Get ready for an adventure! What is Niseko, Hokkaido? Photo：Japanese Shiba Cherry blossoms at Mt. Youtei “Niseko” was originally the name of the Ainu language, and it is also a town in Hokkaido. Niseko is located between “Niseko Annupuri mountain,” and the dormant volcano “Mt.Youtei.” Mt. Youtei was selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Mountains of Japan," and is also called “Ezo Fuji.” You can see the beautiful view of Mt. Youtei from Niseko Village. Fun in the Sun at Niseko Village! Niseko Village is a tourist resort area that consists of “Niseko Village Ski resort,” “Hilton Niseko Village,” “The Green Leaf Niseko Village,” and “Niseko Village Golf Course.” The video shows viewers what Niseko Village offers, and some of the fun outdoor activities available during summer. The two golf courses that are available are Niseko Village Golf Course, and Niseko Golf Course. You can see the beautiful view of Mt. Youkei, while getting a view of Niseko's gorgeous scenery as you play golf. Check out the video at 0:09 to see a magnificent view of the golf course. Be sure to pack your clubs! Source :YouTube screenshot The fun places for kids include the nature experience area “Pure.” “Pure” provides different kinds of outdoor activities and you can spend the whole day exercising and frolicking in nature. The most popular attraction is “Tree Trekking,” which involves navigating ropes and suspension bridges to pass through the trees. “Rail slider,” and “Zip lining,” are also popular attractions at Niseko. Check out the video at 0:14 to see how excited the children are to try out these activities. You can also go cycling in Niseko and see the beautiful scenery with the fresh breeze flowing through your hair. Rafting is a thrilling activity where you can enjoy going down the rapids while getting a look at the beautiful scenery. There's also fishing, and you can pick apples and grapes in the area as well. Shopping, Gourmet Food, and Hot Springs at Niskeo Village Source :YouTube screenshot Niseko Village is a combination of a traditional Japanese townhouse, shopping facilities with outdoor equipment, and Hokkaido's cuisine and cafes. You can also try making soba noodles. This can be seen in the video at 1:22. “Hilton Niseko Village Onsen” offers a luxury open-air hot springs located next to a pond. The hot springs are open 24 hours, so you can get refreshed and revitalized at any time. There is also a spa, luxury massage, and treatment where you can relieve yourself of fatigue. Watch the video at 1:28 to learn more about the hot springs. “Nikoniko Niseko Village Festival” is a popular event that includes a Taiko(drums) performance, workshop, stage performance, as well as gourmet food and fireworks. You can see how exciting this event is from 1:30 in the video. Niseko Village Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Niseko Village is a large resort area in Hokkaido where you can enjoy summer activities, gourmet food, and hot springs. A dog park is also available for those traveling with pets. There are several events and festivals in Niseko that are sure to make your trip unforgettable. There's a lot to see in the video. Learn more about how to enjoy the summer at Niseko Village! We hope you enjoyed this article. We highly recommend Niseko Village to experience different activities and enjoy the nature of Hokkaido. Summer in Hokkaido is short, but there's are a lot to do! ◆Niseko Village◆ 【Address】 Higashiyama Onsen, Niseko, Abuda, Hokkaido 048-1592 【Access】About 3 hours by bus from Shin Chitose Airport 【Fees】Prices vary by facility. Please check the official website for more details. 【Hours】Hours varies depending on the facility, so please check the official website for more details. 【Closures】Closing days varies depending on the facility, so please check the official website. 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】 0136-44-2211 【Official Website】Niseko Village https://www.niseko-village.com/en/

Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko in Hino, Shiga This video, titled "Good Sign Vol.14 "Hino" Hinamatsuri Travelogue" (Good Sign 第14回放送「日野」ひな祭り紀行), was uploaded by "Good Sign." It introduces Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko, a Hinamatsuri event in Hino, Shiga, located in Japan's Kansai region. Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko is an annual event held from early February to early March, from Okubo in southeastern Shiga, to the shopping arcade and merchant residences of Murai and Nishioji. The cityscape of Hino has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of Japan's Showa Period. Hina dolls are displayed along the streets and in merchant houses. There are also special viewing windows called "sajiki-mado" (桟敷窓) with which you can enjoy dolls that are on display. This can be seen from 1:00 in the video. Check out the video to see what kind of event "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko" is. Hinamatsuri - A Traditional Japanese Event Hinamatsuri is an event celebrated on March 3rd, traditionally known as "Momo no Sekku" (the Peach Festival) to wish for the healthy growth of girls by decorating hina dolls with peach-blossoms, serving hina-arare (sweet rice cakes), and Japanese sweets, and preparing food such as chirashizushi, a type of bright and colorful sushi. Hina dolls generally consist of a male and female doll (Dairibina, 内裏雛), three or five court ladies (Kanjo, 官女), five musicians (gonin bayashi, 五人囃子), two ministers (Daijin, 大臣), and the protectors (Shicho, 仕丁). The history of Hinamatsuri dates back to before the Edo period (1603-1868). Nowadays, Hinamatsuri is a popular event for girls, where hina dolls are decorated and chirashizushi, sweets, and cakes are prepared. Also, during the event, children sing “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” (Happy Hinamatsuri), which can be seen at the end of the video. Hino Hinamtsuri Kiko by the Hino Tourist Association "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko" started in 2008 with the aim of making Hino livelier, says Minoru Nakata, the organizer of the event, shown at 1:12 in the video. In the past, hina dolls were brought back by merchants of Hino for their daughters when they went out on business. Hino was a plain town where women and children generally stayed in the home. Now, there are more than 150 places, including the Omi Hino Merchant Museum (近江日野商人館), Omi Hino Merchant Furusato Hall (近江日野商人ふるさと館), Hino Machikado Kanno (日野まちかど感応館), and Umamioka Watamuki Shrine (馬見岡綿向神社), as well as merchant houses with sajiki windows, private homes, and store counters decorated with hina dolls, attracting tourists to Hino. Take the bus bound for Kitabataguchi (北畑口) from JR Omihachiman Station (JR近江八幡駅) or Omi Railway Hino Station (近江鉄道日野駅), and get off at Okubo Nishi (大窪西) or the Mukaimachi (向町) bus stop. There is also a parking for those driving. You can also enjoy specialties, such as Omi Hino Beef, pickled vegetables from Hino, and Hino Udon. Summary of Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko, a Hinamatsuri Event in Hino, Shiga In this article, we introduced "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko" along with the video "Good Sign Vol.14 "Hino" Hinamatsuri Travelogue." You can get a good idea of what Hino looks like during the event. In addition to old hina dolls, cute origami dolls made by kindergarteners can also be seen in the video. If you're headed over to Shiga Prefecture, consider dropping by "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko"!

Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) in Fukushima Prefecture "Japan's Top 100 Castles｜Aizuwakamatsu Castle/Tsuruga Castle｜Fukushima Prefecture" (日本100名城　会津若松城　鶴ヶ城　福島県　Aizuwakamatsu Castle), produced by “castle shrine” is a video that introduces the highlights of Aizuwakamatsu Castle, a hirayama style castle. Aizuwakamatsu Castle, located in Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu city, Fukuoka prefecture, is known locally by its other name, Tsuruga Castle. Other than being chosen as one of the "Top 100 Castles of Japan," it was also chosen as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots," due to there being approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees in Tsuruga Castle Park, which was built on the castle ruins. During the cherry blossom season, there are illumination events held here, and many tourists come to visit the castle. In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, history, and tourist information for Aizuwakamatsu Castle. The video shows the magnificent stone wall, castle tower, and inside the grounds of the Aizuwakamatsu Castle. Be sure to follow along as you read the article! Aizuwakamatsu Castle: The History of the Castle Photo：Aizuwakamatsu Castle Aizuwakamatsu Castle is said to have originated when Ashina Naomori built the Higashi Kurokawa Yakata in 1384. At that time, it was known as Kurokawa Castle or Odakagi Castle; however, when Gamo Ujisato became castle lord, a castle tower was built, and it came to be known as Tsuruga Castle. It is known as an impregnable castle due to withstanding the onslaught of the new government forces for a month, despite the tragedy of the Byakkotai during the Boshin war, following the rule of the Aizu clan. In the 7th year of Meiji (1874), it was demolished leaving only the stone wall. However, in the 40th year of Showa (1965), it was reconstructed, and in the 23rd year of the Heisei (2011), the thatch was replaced with red tiles as part of a restoration project, making it the only red-tile castle tower in Japan. A shachi (mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish) is raised above the castle tower, and 2-carat diamonds are embedded in the center of its eyes. It is also designated as a national historic site under the name of Wakamatsu Castle Ruins. Highlights of Aizuwakamatsu Castle Photo：Aizuwakamatsu Castle Mushabashiri First up is the Kitademaru Otemon gate, which was built using large stones and can be seen at 0:20 in the video. Next up is Tsubakisaka and the stone wall of Taikomon Gate. The stairs which are built into the stone wall are called “Mushabashiri” and can be seen at 1:17 and 3:05 of the footage, are said to be built so that soldiers can intercept and engage enemies through quick asccess to the top of the wall. From the castle tower, which can be seen at 2:01 in the video, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the cityscape of Aizuwakamatsu. The Tetsumon Gate, which can be seen from the castle tower, is shown at 2:09. The name Tetsumon comes from the surface being plated with iron (鉄, "Tetsu" is iron in Japanese). Another highlight is the natural stone wall of Rokabashi Bridge. Sightseeing Information for Aizuwakamatsu Castle Source :YouTube screenshot At the beginning of the video, we are introduced to Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Banetsu West Line. To get to Aizuwakamatsu Castle, take the "Haikara-san" bus from Aizuwakamatsu station, get off at Tsuruga Castle Entrance, and from there, it's a 5 minute walk. There's also a paid parking lot. The castle tower is also an exhibition room for the Wakamatsu Castle Tower Historical Museum and the business hours are from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; and there is an admission fee. In the Tsuruga Castle inner citadel, there's Koujou no Tsukihi, and there's also a track and field arena, city pool, and the Fukushima Prefectural Museum at the San no Maru ruins. It explains the history of Tsuruga Castle in a way that is easily understood. Near the Aizuwakamatsu Castle, there's the popular historical spot, Matsudaira Family Mausoleum, in which the Aizu-Matsudaira Family is buried. Summary of Aizuwakamatsu Castle Photo：Aizuwakamatsu Castle in spring This video "Japan's Top 100 Castles｜Aizuwakamatsu Castle/Tsuruga Castle｜Fukushima Prefecture," introduces the highlights of Aizuwakamatsu Castle and the amazing view from the castle tower. For those interested in Aizuwakamatsu Castle after reading this article, why not learn about Aizu’s Warring States period history at Tsuruga Castle Park, which is always lively with tourists. Receiving a goshuin seal will surely make your trip to Fukushima prefecture a memorable one. ◆Aizuwakamatsu (Tsuruga Castle)　Facility Overview◆ 【Address】1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 〒965-0873 【Access】Take the circuit bus “Haikara-san” from Aizuwakamatsu Station, get off at Tsuruga Castle Entrance, and it's 5 minutes walking. 【Admission fee】Adults \¥410, Children \¥150 【Hours】8：30～17：00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available（requires toll） 【Telephone No】0242-27-4005 【Official Website】Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau｜Tsuruga Castle Aizuwakamatsu Castle Oyakuen Matsudaira Family Mausoleum｜ Surpassing the eternity of time, the castle tower of the end of the Edo era is now revived http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/ 【Tripadvisor】Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g780850-d1383989-Reviews-Tsuruga_jo_Castle-Aizuwakamatsu_Fukushima_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

The Limited Express Sightseeing Train From Tokyo to Izu: Saphir Odoriko - All Cars First Class or Better This video, titled "The Opening of Saphir Odoriko - All Seats First Class or Better" (「サフィール踊り子」公開 全座席がグリーン車以上), was released by "KyodoNews." The video of the news was made open to the press in December 2019. The Limited express train “Saphir Odoriko” will operate on Tokyo-Shinjuku・Shizuoka-izukyuushimoda route, and it will be entered into train schedules by March 14th, 2020. The characteristics of the Saphir Odoriko are its private rooms, and first class or higher seating. It will become a frequently used line connecting the Metropolitan area to Izu. Please watch the video for an inside look at the luxurious accommodations, and to feel the high class nature of this limited express sightseeing train that allows for a comfortable journey between Tokyo and Izu. Saphir Odoriko: All Seats "Green" Source :YouTube screenshot After the Super View Odoriko of JR East is decommissioned in March 2020, the Saphir Odoriko (Railway series: E261) limited express sightseeing train is a brand new train that will grant easy access to popular sightseeing locations around Izu. The namesake "Saphir" in French means "sapphire" reminiscent of its appearance which looks like the beautiful blue sea and sky in Izu. Saphir Odoriko has 8 cars with a capacity of 164 people and the first car (which is a premium Green Car) has skylight seating, so when traveling towards Shimoda passengers can feel the natural light of the sky with luxury 1 to 1 seating accommodating up to 20 people in each row. This can be seen at 0:56 in the video. The seating in the 2nd and 3rd cars are for groups of families and friends, and the private green rooms placed in them can accommodate 4 to 6 people. The seating in cars 5 to 8 are Green Cars and have 1 by 2 (◼+◼◼) seating. They are introduced at 1:29 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot In addition, car 4 is a dining car, and is made in the style of an open noodle bar, so you can enjoy some great tasting noodles during your journey. According to the chief of vehicles at JR East's railroad technology center, the appearance of the "Saphir Odoriko" is a metallic blue that is based on the beautiful colors that can be seen in Izu's natural scenery ( 2:05). You can see the train's appearance at 0:14 in the video. In 2020, the popular toy train manufacturer"Plarail" and the model train manufacturer N scale are going to release versions of "Saphir Odoriko", so they might be great gift ideas. Facilities on the Saphir Odoriko Photo：A woman using a laptop on a train Conscious about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the facilities on board the “Saphir Odoriko” were designed to accommodate the large influx of inbound tourists, and are thus equipped with large luggage compartments, and free Wi-Fi services. In the private green rooms, luggage compartments are installed inside the room itself. Every seat on the Saphir Odoriko also comes with its own personal electrical outlets for charging laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. That being said, you won’t need to worry about preserving data and battery life while riding on the “Saphir Odoriko”, and can instead use your time freely and effectively. Summary of the Saphir Odoriko On the way to popular sightseeing spots in Izu, you won’t need to worry about traffic jams or if the train is running on time as it’s a reputable railway. As shown in the video, with the light pouring in through the skylights, and the train’s high-class feel, you’re sure to have a relaxing, unforgettable experience traveling with friends or family on the Saphir Odoriko. As of this news' release, the Saphir Odoriko is scheduled to make a round trip once per day between Tokyo and Izu. The currently announced stops for the Saphir Odoriko are: Tokyo station, Shinjuku station, and Izukyuushimoda station, but please keep in mind that these are still subject to change. For ticket prices, or to make reservations, please stop by a JR ticket office.