📢 Hachioji Local Ramen Picks 🍜 Is there anyone in Hachioji who doesn't know these!? Hot and sizzling🔥, here are some exquisite ramen shops we recommend😋 [No.1] Goemon🍜 This is the bowl that makes people say, “This is Hachioji ramen!”✨ A soy sauce–based broth perfectly matches the sweetness of chopped onions🧅! Light yet deeply flavored, it’s a taste you could eat every day🤤 Expect lines on weekends, but it’s worth the wait! [No.2] Tantan🍥 A must for spice lovers🌶️! This shop serves a savory-spicy tantanmen flavored with homemade chili oil! Ground meat and garlic🧄 boost the appetite. The spiciness concentrates rich umami—once you try it, you won’t stop! It pairs perfectly with rice🍚👍 [No.3] Kaede🍜 Enjoy an old-fashioned taste at this nostalgic ramen shop🏮 The clear broth is light and comforting, with a homely flavor😌 It pairs beautifully with their homemade noodles, which slide down easily. The char siu topping🐷 is superb! It’s always bustling with locals at lunchtime! Hachioji still has many more delicious ramen shops to discover! Be sure to find your favorite bowl🍜🍥 #Ramen Tour #Popular Shops #Recommended Ramen #Goemon #Tantan #Kaede #Tabelog #Ramen Lover #Hachioji Gourmet #Tokyo Gourmet #Ramenstagram #Menstagram #ramen #hachioji #tokyo #japanesefood #foodie #instafood #delicious ramen

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Goubara-shuku was the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it split from the Nakasendo at Shima-juku. It was established in 1614 (Keicho 19) when Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Castle, developed the Zenkoji Kaido (Hokkokuwaki Oukan) to connect Shima-juku on the Nakasendo with the Kitakuni Highway. The post town was not formed from an existing settlement. The original Goubara village lay on the east bank of the Narai River in Ueno Chiseki, but when the post station was developed, it and the Katakaishi Settlement, then on the river’s west bank in Sumito Chiseki, were moved to the present site around 1619 (Genna 5) to create the post town.

Goubara-shuku is the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it splits from the Nakasendo at Seba-juku. It was established in Keicho 19 (1614) when Hidemasa Ogasawara, lord of Matsumoto Castle, improved the Zenkoji Kaido (the Hokkokuwaki Oukan) to connect Seba-juku on the Nakasendo with the Kitakuni Highway. Rather than an existing hamlet simply becoming the post town, Goubara’s original settlement stood in Ueno Chiseki on the east bank of the Narai River. When the post station was developed, the settlement was relocated around Genna 5 (c.1619) with the Katakaishi settlement from Sumito Chiseki on the river’s west bank to form the new post town at its present site.

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郷原宿は、善光寺街道が中山道の洗馬宿で分かれて最初の宿場です。 慶長19(1614)年、松本城主・小笠原秀政が中山道洗馬宿と北国街道を結ぶため、善光寺街道（北国脇往還）を整備したときにできました。 すでに存在していた集落が宿になったのではなく、郷原の元の集落は奈良井川の東岸の上野地籍にあったが、宿駅の整備に伴い、同じ川の西岸の住戸地籍にあった堅石集落とともに、元和5(1619)年ころ現在の場所に移して宿づくりがされました。

【郷原宿 -ごうばらじゅく-】 所在地：塩尻市広丘郷原 郷原宿は、善光寺街道が中山道の洗馬宿で分かれて最初の宿場です。 慶長19(1614)年、松本城主・小笠原秀政が中山道洗馬宿と北国街道を結ぶため、善光寺街道（北国脇往還）を整備したときにできました。 すでに存在していた集落が宿になったのではなく、郷原の元の集落は奈良井川の東岸の上野地籍にあったが、宿駅の整備に伴い、同じ川の西岸の住戸地籍にあった堅石集落とともに、元和5(1619)年ころ現在の場所に移して宿づくりがされました。 ○郷原宿の見どころ 屋敷割りがよく行われ家々の間口は5～6間と広く、妻入りの本棟造りで雀おどしがついた切り妻が街道に面しているのが特徴です。 また、街道と家の間に前庭があり、樹木が植えられて美しい街並みとなっており，各家には屋号が表示されています。 民芸運動の父と呼ばれる柳宗悦氏は随筆の中で郷原宿の美しさを「宿場全体が見事な一個の作品だと」絶賛してます。 宿場の北側には、明治13(1880)年に明治天皇御巡幸のとき御小休所となった郷福寺があります。

Inatori Hosono Highlands Autumn Silvergrass Viewing Event! A vast 125-hectare field of silvergrass transforms into a silver-to-golden carpet from October 31 to December 1 (Monday), creating a breathtaking panoramic spot. Enjoy sweeping views of the Amagi Mountain Range and the Izu Islands, perfect for photogenic shots. See the event page for details https://hosonokougen.com...

Mindfulness tourism took place at Kikuchi Valley in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We offered the ultimate retreat in the clear streams of nature to maximize mental and physical performance. Leaving the noise of daily life behind, participants enjoyed a special experience that sharpened the five senses while feeling the breath of nature. We practiced mindfulness walking incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Participants walked Kikuchi Valley together with a head priest. At each spot, people quietly faced nature by lying on rocks or sitting in zazen. In the calm atmosphere, participants refreshed their minds and bodies and found new insights. On the first day we held “Mindfulness Walking and Tea Ceremony.” A tea master conducted a tea ceremony within Kikuchi Valley. The ceremony used water from Kikuchi Valley. In the tranquil morning space, participants calmed their minds and quietly enjoyed delicious tea. On the second day participants experienced “Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast.” They ate breakfast in a crisp morning setting while sensing nature. They enjoyed the meal in a relaxed and peaceful state. The dishes used the soft water of Kikuchi Valley and featured donabe-cooked rice and local ingredients from Kikuchi. Everyone seemed to enjoy the program. Walking in the morning and touching nature helped them forget work worries and busyness. The tea ceremony’s preparation soothed tired bodies, and the sound of the clear stream sharpened both hearing and taste. Meditating in nature while listening to the babbling river and cool air felt pleasant. Newly harvested rice cooked in a clay pot and nameko mushroom soup warmed body and soul. The dishes were carefully prepared and truly delicious, leaving participants fully satisfied. We received many similar comments. It was a luxurious time to experience Kikuchi’s food, nature, and moments of self-reflection with all the senses. Rather than letting a day pass unnoticed, participants were able to spend time in nature solely for themselves.

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Kitamae-Senshu street🌊⚓ Kitamae-Senshu street is a historic street centered on the Ukon family and Nakamura-ke, who made great fortunes as coastal shipping merchants. Eleven cities and towns connected to the Kitamae ships have been designated as a Japan Heritage site. Cultural properties that form the Japan Heritage story in Kono, Minamiechizen Town include Kitamae Senshu-no Yakata, Ukon-ke; the European-style mansion of the old Ukon-ke; and The Kitamae Senshu, Nakamura-ke. Each residence is open to the public. Inside Kitamae Senshu-no Yakata, Ukon-ke you can see exhibits recreating merchant life and materials explaining the trade routes of the time—a must for history lovers. The European-style mansion of the old Ukon-ke, built on the hill behind the main house as the Ukon family villa, is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. You can spot modern touches throughout the building. The Kitamae Senshu, Nakamura-ke is a large Kitamae shipowner’s residence notable for its distinctive layout and a three-story tatami reception room. Each building shows careful craftsmanship and a different architectural style to explore. Enjoy the unique scenery shaped by the climate, lifestyles, and livelihoods of the Kono district in Minamiechizen Town. You can feel the romance of the history of Kitamae shipowners who lived boldly on the vast Sea of Japan. Address: 2-15 Kono, Minamiechizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture TEL: 0778-48-2196 Opening hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays and December 29–January 3 Access By car (From Kansai and Chukyo areas) • About 20 minutes via Japan National Route 305 from Hokuriku Expressway Nanjo Smart I.C. • About 40 minutes via National Route 8 north from Hokuriku Expressway Tsuruga I.C., then Echizen Kono Shiokaze Line and National Route 305. (From Ishikawa and Fukui areas) • About 20 minutes via Japan National Route 305 from Hokuriku Expressway Nanjo Smart I.C. • About 30 minutes via National Route 8 south from Hokuriku Expressway Takefu I.C., then Sakurabashi Intersection onto National Route 305. By train From Hapi-Line Takefu Station or Echizen Railway Takefu Station take the Fukutetsu Bus Ojiho-Kono Line for about 40 minutes, or use a taxi for about 30 minutes.

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Event Announcement📣 Sunday, October 12, 2025 marks the 70th Iwaushi Senkyo Maple Festival. The day is packed with attractions, including a karaoke singing contest, a Yutaka Ooe music show, YOSAKOI Soran dance, a mountain-harvest grand bingo, and a vegetable weight-guessing quiz. You can also buy local produce like grab-your-own-vegetables, and enjoy autumn flavors such as charcoal-grilled chicken, jingisukan (grilled mutton), and food from kitchen trucks. *Karaoke contestants must register between 10:30 and 11:00, so please arrive early.* Children are very welcome to join. Apply on the day at the venue. If entries exceed capacity, participants will be chosen by lottery. Please bring your karaoke CD (audio track). 📍Date and Time: Sunday, October 12, 2025, 10:00–14:00 📍Location: Iwaushi Senkyo If it rains, the opening ceremony and music show will start at 12:00 at Kawanishi Agricultural Training Center. 🔶Special shuttle bus information🚌 Fare: Round trip 3,000 yen (children half price) Outbound: Obihiro Station bus terminal departs 9:20 Return: Iwaushi Senkyo departs 14:25 You can board at Tokachi Bus Head Office, Sanjo High School, Shirakaba-dori 19 Jo, and Shirakaba-dori 16 Jo stops. For bus reservations and inquiries TEL: 0155-23-5171 If it rains, times and locations may change, so please contact us. We look forward to seeing you there🤗

Hello viewers of Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organization. Miyoshi City, located in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, sits where the San'in and Sanyo regions meet. This verdant, hilly area blends nature with a rich history and culture. Surrounded by the Chugoku Mountains and blessed with abundant forests, clear streams and the Gono River, Miyoshi long prospered as a hub of travel and exchange. As a destination, it offers a wide range of attractions: ancient myths and yokai folklore, traditional performing arts, local specialties like wine and cheese, and spectacular scenic spots. In Miyoshi, where nature, history, contemporary art, local ingredients and everyday life harmonize, you can enjoy a relaxed getaway away from the city bustle. Access to Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi City lies about 90 km north of Hiroshima city, roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive, making it easily accessible. You can reach the city via the Chugoku Expressway at Miyoshi Interchange or Miyoshi-Higashi Interchange, and Hiroshima Airport is about an hour away by car. By train, JR Geibi Line’s Miyoshi Station serves as the gateway. Some direct trains run from hiroshima station, offering scenic views along the journey. Highway buses also operate frequently from Hiroshima Station and Hiroshima Bus Center. Within Miyoshi, rental cars and local buses make getting around to attractions smooth and convenient. About Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi City sits in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, bordering Shimane Prefecture. This basin is ringed by mountains, with the Gono River, Basen River and Saijo River flowing through the city. As of April 2025, the population is about 47,000. Formed in 2004 through the merger of eight neighboring municipalities, Miyoshi covers one of the largest areas in Hiroshima Prefecture. Agriculture and forestry thrive here, and recent efforts have focused on tourism that leverages local resources, including wineries and direct sales markets that highlight community-based facilities. History of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi’s history stretches back to the age of myth, and the area appears in Izumo mythology. The region preserves many kagura performances and legends. In the Sengoku period the Miyoshi Clan built Hieioyama Castle (later moving their seat to Higumayama Castle), and the town developed around the castle. During the Edo period it prospered as a post town on the Iwami Ginzan Kaido and as a transport hub for riverboats on the Gono River, becoming an important center of commerce and transportation. Popular sightseeing spots in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture • Miyoshi Mononoke Museum (Yumoto Goichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum) This nationally acclaimed yokai museum houses the collection of leading yokai researcher Yumoto Goichi. Visitors can learn about yokai culture from the Edo period to the present, and enjoy AR and multimedia exhibits designed for both children and adults. Special exhibitions and workshops are held regularly. • Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery This complex offers wine production, sales and tastings using locally grown grapes. It features one of western Japan’s largest wine cellars and a wine bar counter. The facility includes factory tours, a restaurant, a cafe and a direct-sales shop for local products, making it popular with families and couples. Each Golden Week the Miyoshi Wine Festival draws many visitors from inside and outside the prefecture. Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery’s wines win awards at various international competitions each year. • Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum This museum exhibits works by nihonga painter Genso Okuda and doll artist Sayume Okuda. Genso Okuda and Sayume Okuda are the first married couple in Japan to receive the Order of Culture. The building itself is an artwork, making it a must-see for art lovers. • Josei Falls Located in Sakugi Town, Miyoshi City, this beautiful three-tiered waterfall drops 126 meters. Surrounded by seasonal nature, it offers fresh green views in spring, cool relief in summer, autumn foliage and winter icefalls—making it a scenic spot to enjoy year-round. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, it provides a restorative experience for visitors. • Mt. Takatani (Sea of Clouds Observatory) This 490-meter lookout offers a panoramic view of the iconic “Sea of Clouds” over Miyoshi. From October to December in early mornings with strong temperature differences, a magical sea of clouds appears that feels otherworldly. The sunrise and mist create scenes beloved by photographers. Roadside stations in Miyoshi City Miyoshi is home to the popular Roadside Station Yumeland Funo, a relaxing stop for visitors. Yume Land Funo sells fresh local vegetables, fruits and processed goods, and its eateries serve local dishes made from seasonal ingredients. Hot springs in Miyoshi City Miyoshi features Kimita Onsen Mori no Izumi. This bicarbonate spring is famous as a “beauty hot spring” that leaves skin smooth. As a large facility offering lodging, dining and shopping, it attracts many tourists. Traditional culture and crafts of Miyoshi City • Kagura Kagura stands as a symbol of Miyoshi’s traditional culture. This ancient performing art persists in regional variations of programs, costumes and staging, and it plays an essential role in local festivals and events. • Miyoshi Ukai Miyoshi Ukai (cormorant fishing) boasts more than 450 years of history and tradition, and it is one of only 11 places in Japan where you can still experience it. Designated as a Hiroshima Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a recipient of the Hiroshima Prefecture Educational Encouragement Award, Miyoshi Ukai is distinguished by its unique fishing method in which the cormorant boats run alongside pleasure boats. On summer nights, boarding a pleasure boat to watch ukai up close offers an immersive experience that feels like stepping back in time. Bonfires flickering on the river at dusk create a magical atmosphere and unforgettable moments. Local specialties and gourmet foods of Miyoshi City Miyoshi’s food culture makes the most of its rich natural resources. The signature product is Miyoshi wine. High-quality wines produced in the city—red, white and rosé—offer a wide variety and receive high praise in domestic and international competitions. Also famous are ayu dishes made from ayu caught in the Gono River. You can enjoy grilled ayu, sweet-simmered ayu and ayu-flavored soy sauce. A variety of processed goods made from local ingredients are also available, making excellent souvenirs. Events and festivals in Miyoshi City Miyoshi hosts a year-round calendar of vibrant local events and festivals. • Miyoshi Kinsai Festival This major summer event is organized by Miyoshi residents and features parades, taiko drumming, food stalls and bon odori dancing that enliven the city streets. • Miyoshi Wine Festival Held on the lawn at Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery, this festival features tastings, live music and local gourmet stalls, making it a must for wine lovers. Tourist information for Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture From a unique museum exploring yokai culture to cuisine shaped by nature, seasonal scenic spots and community-rooted traditional events, Miyoshi offers many discoveries—some still little known—that reward repeat visits. Cool Japan Video will share information ranging from hidden gems to popular attractions to help you enjoy tourism in Miyoshi. 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Cycling Tour 🚲 A tour visiting gifts and monuments around Hiroshima Prefecture themed on prayers for peace Join a local guide on an original peace tour to visit various peace spots across Hiroshima City. The ride from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to Hijiyama Park includes stops related to the G7 Summit. Feel the gentle Hiroshima breeze as you explore the city on this refreshing cycling tour. ⏰ Schedule English: Friday, October 10th, 2025, 11:00–13:00 Japanese: Saturday, November 15th, 2025, 11:00–13:00 📍 Route Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park → Heiwa no Hashi → weeping willow near Tsurumibashi → Hijiyama Park → G7 Hiroshima Summit Memorial Hall Ticket sales: Available until 17:00 the day before the tour Capacity: 1–5 people Price: ¥10,000 (same price for domestic and international purchases) These tours cannot be booked through this advertisement. For details, please visit the Peace Tourism official website.

Nice to meet you! Tokachi Tourism Federation. We are pleased to share highlights from Tokachi, Hokkaido, a region blessed with vast landscapes and stunning nature. First, here is some basic information about Tokachi. Tokachi comprises 19 municipalities, centered on Obihiro City. "The 19 municipalities of Tokachi" Obihiro City, Otofukecho, Shihorocho, Kamishihoro Town, Shikaoicho, Shintoku Town, Shimizucho, Memuro Town, Nakasatsunaimura, Sarabetsumura, Taiki Town, Hirocho, Makubetsu, Ikeda Town, Toyokorocho, Hombetsucho, Ashorocho, Rikubetsucho, Urahorocho The name Tokachi comes from the Ainu word Tokapchi, which referred to the Tokachi River. Tokachi has a continental climate, so spring and summer temperatures are relatively high for Hokkaido. Winters can drop to around minus 30 degrees Celsius, but the region sees less snow and many sunny days. The main way to access Tokachi is by air via Tokachi Obihiro Airport. Flights from HanedaKuukou take about 1.5 hours, and from Nagoya Chubu about 1 hour 45 minutes. By train, the fastest trip from Sapporo to JR Obihiro Station takes about 2 hours 24 minutes. Tokachi is a treasure trove of nature, with each of its 19 municipalities offering diverse attractions where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife. In this post we introduce some of the area's popular sightseeing spots. Banei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse) in Obihiro City is the only racecourse in the world that hosts ban’ei horse racing, where horses pull heavy sleds. Ban’ei races test strength, speed, and endurance. The dramatic sight of horses running a 200-meter course is a must-see. The racecourse also has a petting zoo where visitors can meet ponies and rabbits; it is open even on non-race days. Next is Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu. This hilltop complex blends nature and gardens with a focus on agriculture and food. You can enjoy themed gardens filled with roses, herbs, and other flowers year-round. The garden café serves unique dishes you can only find here, such as sandwiches made with the world’s only heritage edible pork, Mangalitsa. Nearby attractions around Tokachi Hills include Kofuku Station, about 20 minutes by car. Kofuku Station, famous in the 1970s for the slogan "From the Land of Love to Happiness," remains a popular lovers’ shrine where couples wish for happiness. From late April to the end of November, the Kofuku Station Happy Ceremony offers a mock wedding experience. Aikoku Station, which sparked a similar boom, is about 15 minutes by car from Kofuku Station. It now serves as the Traffic Memorial Museum, and the "Happiness-bound" ticket monument in front of the station building is a recommended photo spot. Tokachigawa Onsen, about 25 minutes by car from Tokachi Hills, sits on the banks of the Tokachi River. The area’s moor hot springs, selected as a Hokkaido heritage, are rare plant-derived baths in Japan. Moor springs are said to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic gynecological conditions, and poor circulation. Some nearby hotels offer day-use bathing. Soak in the hot springs surrounded by beautiful nature to relieve daily fatigue. The Tokachi area has 15 roadside stations that offer local specialties, gourmet food, and tourist information (as of July 2023). Roadside Station Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 in Ashorocho was renovated from a railway station in 2011 and still retains railway atmosphere. The shop and bakery sell products made with the town’s specialty, the exceptionally large rawan-buki butterbur, and the restaurant offers local treats such as rawan-buki soft serve. Don’t miss the local specialty butadon available at Kumanoko Regional Exchange Product Center Store. Roadside stations let you enjoy regional foods and specialties unique to each area. Please stop by for memories of your trip. Next, we introduce spots where you can experience Hokkaido’s vast nature. Lake Onneto, one of Hokkaido’s three hidden lakes, lies at the western edge of Akan-Mashu National Park. The lake changes color by season and time of day, earning it the nickname "Goshikinuma" or Five-Color Pond. An observation deck with views of MtMeakan and Mount Akanfuji is a recommended viewpoint. In Kamishihoro Town, the Taushubetsu River Bridge at Lake Nukabira is a 130-meter concrete arch bridge built in 1937. About 60 arch bridges of various sizes once formed part of the Japanese National Railways Shihoro Line and are preserved as modern industrial heritage. In spring, melting snow raises the water level so the arches reflect on the surface, earning it the nickname "Megane Bridge" or Spectacle Bridge. Mikuni Pass in Daisetsuzan National Park (Kamishihoro Town) sits at 1,139 meters and is the highest pass in Hokkaido. You will be captivated by the sea of fresh green trees in spring and vivid autumn leaves. At the summit, Mikuni Pass Cafe is popular for its carefully prepared hand-drip coffee made from its own roasted beans. Finally, Tokachi Ranch in Otofukecho covers a vast area of 4,092 hectares. The ranch raises Dosanko horses, sheep, and cattle. A popular spot is the roughly 1.3-kilometer birch tree avenue that stretches from the ranch entrance. Tokachi hosts events throughout the year. The Tokachi Port Festival’s Tokachi Port Sea Fireworks Festival in Hirocho is the only harbor fireworks display in the Tokachi region. Underwater fireworks that spread across the sea surface are a highlight. The 2023 event was scheduled for August 5. The summer Obihiro Heigen Matsuri, autumn Obihiro Chrysanthemum Festival, and winter Obihiro Ice Festival are known as the three major Obihiro festivals. The Kachimai Fireworks Festival held on the Tokachigawa Riverbed is noted for its highly entertaining program. Enjoy a fireworks show woven together with music and lighting. The 2023 event was scheduled for August 13. Tokachi, Hokkaido, is a region rich in vast nature, gourmet food, hot springs, and attractions that blend harmoniously. We will continue to share more Tokachi sightseeing spots, events, and gourmet information that we could not cover in this post! Please look forward to future updates!

Mindfulness Tourism at Kikuchi Valley will be held. Enjoy mindfulness walking paired with a traditional tea gathering or a breakfast experience. This one-of-a-kind meditation experience takes place in Kikuchi Valley, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Listen, walk, and taste — cleanse your mind and body with all five senses. Savor a tranquil tea moment while wrapped in the gentle sounds of the clear stream. Share a breakfast that invites conversation with nature in an extraordinary setting. Feel the breath of nature and sharpen your senses during this special time. Refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate retreat to maximize your mental and physical performance. ■ Saturday, November 1, 2025 — Mindfulness Walking and Tea Gathering A tea master will hold a tea gathering within Kikuchi Valley. The tea ceremony uses water from Kikuchi Valley, creating a special opportunity to enjoy exquisite tea. ■ Sunday, November 2, 2025 — Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast Gathering Relish breakfast in the crisp morning air while soaking in the surrounding nature. We prepare rice cooked in an earthenware pot and dishes using plenty of local ingredients from Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, made with water from Kikuchi Valley. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/mindfulness_tourism...

In September, I rode a 16-inch mini velo across the Shikoku Mountains from Kochi to Matsuyama From Kochi I followed the Niyodo River, climbed steep grades, and kept climbing until I finally reached the Shikoku Karst The view there was so vast that I felt a lifelong, unforgettable thrill along with the achievement of reaching Shikoku’s ceiling by my own effort On the Kochi Prefecture–Ehime Prefecture border, the karst terrain jutted up at 1,400 meters, looking like somewhere other than Japan, yet when I shifted my gaze sideways the steep, characteristically Japanese peaks rose up and I was reminded that I was indeed in Japan Pale blue, white, and green formed a contrast that seemed to symbolize summer, and ridgelines stretched east and west as far as the eye could see Summer in Shikoku was unbeatable That night I cooked dinner, rolled out my sleeping bag, and took a short nap At 10:00 p.m. I sensed something and crawled out of the tent to find a sky full of stars in every direction From the cloudless Shikoku Mountains the Milky Way rose up In my just-over-twenty years of life, that was by far the most beautiful Milky Way I have ever seen I had come to Shikoku alone, carrying heavy camping gear on a small-wheeled bike, enduring the fierce heat and hardship to finally reach this place—perhaps that made the view all the more moving Will I ever encounter such a sense of wonder again in my life? Maybe I travel by bicycle to seek out encounters like that More than comfort, stability, or security, I want the overwhelming exhilaration of being moved For that, I feel I can overcome any hardship by my own strength Because this is Japan, I hope more people can experience everything that bicycle travel can offer