As I continue to travel Tokyo and come into contact with its history I have gradually wanted to blend into the city. So I decided to take a break from being a traveler and become a local.
I found a small laundry while I was taking a stroll around and made that my port of call. Its yellow curtains and blue washing machine inside matched the colours of my clothes. The blue also reminded me of the colour of the sky when I was on the plane while the yellow made me recall the carpet of maidenhair leaves burned so vividly into my memory I can see it with my eyes closed.
I put on some casual clothes and set out aimlessly to imitate living here.
I place my favourite laundry detergent into my basket and set off to the launderette. This is actually my first time using one of these big washing machines.
I couldn’t understand all of the instructions written in Japanese but I was sure it would go fine. I’m all about being optimistic when it comes to many things.
My detergent is additive-free and comes in a white bottle. Washing your clothes with something natural like this makes you feel eco-friendly. Its faint fragrance is refreshing.
The washing machine let out a bellowing sound like a watchdog living on a faraway star and began spinning.
I wait leisurely for the washing to be done. I look back at my trip in Kyoto so far with the sound of the washing machine as my background music.
I was a crybaby and timid when I was younger. I was even scared of having to walk by myself someday when I went to a place I wanted visit. But now my chest burst with curiosity knowing that I will enjoy discovering and encountering things even if I’m on my own.
There are things I don’t yet understand but my heart learns every day. One may have an innocent heart but it’s good for your heart to become strong like an adult’s.
I take out my bath towels from the washing machine. They are fluffy as if they’re brand new. I think to myself that they’re kind of like the hairs of a sacred animal. My imaginative power is like that of a child, and using it I gently brush the tips of my fingers against the white creature and proceed to fold it neatly.
I feel new as I pile up these little adventures. I put my arms through the sleeves of my washed shirt and set off to a new destination.
Model / Mala Morgan
Live your travel destination with a trip to the launderette
TOPVALU Free From Laundry Detergent ¥378 (Before Tax) / ¥408.24 (Tax Included)Quantity: 800ml
The Laundry Detergent is made with five additive-free bleaching agents. Its fragrance is subtle so is perfect for me as someone who doesn’t like plainness.
TOPVALU Free From Fabric Softener Price: ¥348 (Before Tax) / ¥375.84 (Tax Included) Quantity: 600ml
The Fabric Softener is a safe product that can be used even with baby clothing. The happy feeling I get that comes from drying laundry might be thanks to the natural smell of this fabric softener.
HOME COORDY soft bath towels ¥1280(Brfore Tax)/¥1382.40(Tax Included） Size:60×120 cm
HOME COORDY’s soft bath towels have become a necessity during my travels. They are as white as freshly-fallen snow. Whether it’s the morning-time or evening, they make me feel healed.
*Tax-inclusive prices are displayed up to the second decimal point.
*In the case that multiple items are purchased, the fraction below the decimal point will also be added to calculate the consumption tax.
We are handing out coupons for the products mentioned here. Be sure to use them the next time you visit ÆON for great discounts.
5% Coupon:https://www.welcome-aeon.com/coupon/web_coupon.html
ÆON Store Search: https://www.welcome-aeon.com/storesearch/index.html
Information
About ÆON Group
ÆON Group is a retail corporate group based in Japan that has established 21,742 branches (as of February 2018) in 13 countries across Asia.
Its private brand TOPVALU sells high-quality products at an affordable price. The TOPVALU GURINAI range for example stocks a myriad of products crafted with the utmost care through various production techniques, and of the ingredients used only the best are selected.
The GURINAI range is divided into three parts that give customers the opportunity to easily purchase organic products and ingredients. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI Organic’ offers organic foodstuffs marked with the official organic stamp of approval. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI NATURAL’ provides fresh meat that, as a general rule, is farmed using no chemicals. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI free from’ stocks processed foods with additives, raw materials and ingredients taken into strict consideration.
ÆON Group Private Brand TOPVALU: https://www.topvalu.net (Japanese only)
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Passing over the crystal blue ocean and through the snowy white clouds, I finally arrived in the country I had longed to visit.
The destination I chose is a town in located in the west of Japan, one steeped in history. The first morning to welcome me in Kyoto came through the steam of my mug which rose beautifully, almost transparent. It all appeared mysterious. Just what was I going to discover on this trip?
This is the story of one girl who came to visit Japan from her home country.
The morning coffee I will drink in my hotel room is like a good luck charm. It’s a requisite ritual of all my mornings, something that gives me a bit of courage.
“I hope today is like no other.”
Whispering this quietly to myself, I pour the hot water into the filter.
As the water slowly drips I smell the rich notes of the coffee.
The heat from the mug warms me up from the inside like a gentle caress.
Right now, in this moment, I want to tear the view outside the window and put it in my coat pocket.
I sip my coffee as I feel gratitude for the beautiful morning and anticipate the adventure that is about to begin.
The light, the warmth and the smell. Just quietly admiring this scene – that’s my morning ritual.
“I have to get going already,” I murmur. I look to myself in the future a little.
I wear a small handbag with my mint coloured coat. Let’s put this morning scene in one of them, because it was a fitting and refreshing start to the start of my trip.
I swing my eyes to the view outside the window once more and leave my room.
“I feel that I’ll have become a different me when I return to this room.”
Model: Mala Morgan
These are the organic items for my morning in Japan.
TOPVALU GURINAI – Organic Original Blend Drip Coffee:¥298 (Before Tax) /¥321 (Tax Included) 64g(8g×8count)
The green items sold by AEON’s private brand TOPVALU are good for both me as well as the environment. Organic drinks are like good luck charms that make your body healthy and beautiful from the inside. This organic drip coffee has a full-bodied flavour, and it’s easy to make, making it perfect for mornings when travelling.
TOPVALU ORGANIC ORANGE 100 – 100% Straight Organic Orange Juice:¥298 (Before Tax) /¥321 (Tax Included) 750ml
If my body craves fruit the moment I wake up, I sometimes go for orange juice. The refreshing sour taste of 100% organic orange juice makes me feel a little indulgent. Organic oranges that have been squeezed within 24 hours of picking are rich and very delicious.
We are handing out coupons for the products mentioned here. Be sure to use them the next time you visit ÆON for great discounts.
🎁 5% Coupon:
https://www.welcome-aeon.com/coupon/web_coupon.htmlÆON Store Search: https://www.welcome-aeon.com/storesearch/index.html
Information
About ÆON Group
ÆON Group is a retail corporate group based in Japan that has established 21,742 branches (as of February 2018) in 13 countries across Asia.
Its private brand TOPVALU sells high-quality products at an affordable price. The TOPVALU GURINAI range for example stocks a myriad of products crafted with the utmost care through various production techniques, and of the ingredients used only the best are selected.
The GURINAI range is divided into three parts that give customers the opportunity to easily purchase organic products and ingredients. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI Organic’ offers organic foodstuffs marked with the official organic stamp of approval. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI NATURAL’ provides fresh meat that, as a general rule, is farmed using no chemicals. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI free from’ stocks processed foods with additives, raw materials and ingredients taken into strict consideration.
ÆON Group Private Brand TOPVALU: https://www.topvalu.net (Japanese only)
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I left my room, and what stood in front of me calling like some outside force was the riverbed of Kamo River, a symbol of Kyoto. My plan for the day is still a blank sheet. If I listen carefully I can hear the calm flow of the stream. Where I’m meant to go will become clear in my mind’s eye, I’m sure of it.
I didn’t know the reason, but I felt that if I inhaled the morning air with all I had I would come to know.
“Where should I go first?” Thinking that, I set off to begin the story of my trip with all the freedom in the world.
The surface of the river is like a mirror, reflecting Kyoto’s changing seasons all year round. No matter the season, the world through that streaming looking glass is sure to be beautiful.
Standing under the bridge was like being in a hiding place. It made me think of the first time I felt excitement when I was little.
“I wonder what I’m searching for on this journey?”
These are the words I thought this to myself while walking back and forth. This was a city that I instantly grew attached to.
Is it something I want to find myself; or is it something I want somebody else to find for me? Someone I don’t know from in a city I don’t know in a country I don’t know.
The answer can only be found by working up the courage to knock on the door. Hints are hidden amongst the people and scenery I have yet to encounter in Kyoto.
I laid out my blanket at the riverside and gazed across the Kamo River.
I took my breakfast out of my bag.
Bread and milk: my morning meal whenever and wherever I am. It’s a very natural cycle just like the blue sky, white clouds and unchanging scene before me.
I feel myself becoming hydrated at the silky taste of my almond milk.
I stuff my cheeks slowly with bread and a Danish pastry while painting a picture of the day I will have today.
It was the flowing river that laid it out to me as if singing me a sing.
It said, “When you get going, still with that curiosity inside you, you’ll meet a you who you haven’t met before.”
As if someone had gently flicked a switch in my mind, my half-asleep body began to move.
I decide to set off after eating my breakfast. The map of my trip lies in my heart.
Model/ Mala Morgan
Incorporate beautifying foods into your breakfast.
TOPVALU 35% Reduced Sugar Soy Flour Danish Panettone:¥128 (Before Tax) / ¥138 (Tax Included) *Includes 2
TOPVALU Fluffy Onion Cheese Bread:¥98(Before Tax) / ¥105 (Tax Included) *Includes 1
Food from ÆON’s TOPVALU range makes my breakfast tasty and refreshing. The danish pastry is fermented over a long period of time before being folded repeatedly to give it its moist texture.. The crunchy texture brings a satisfied smile to your face when chowing them down.
This bread contains sliced onion and black peppered ham dressed with mayonnaise as well as a sprinkling of shredded and melted Gouda cheese. The fluffy bread is just heavenly.
TOPVALU Almond Milk (Left):¥88円 (Before Tax) / ¥95(Tax Included) – 200ml
TOPVALU Sugar Free Almond Milk (Right):¥88円 (Before Tax) /¥95(Tax Included) – 200ml
Packed with vitamin E, the highlight of this almond milk is its low calorie count. Its subtle sweetness and smooth texture complements the bread perfectly.
We are handing out coupons for the products mentioned here. Be sure to use them the next time you visit ÆON for great discounts.
🎁 5% Coupon:
https://www.welcome-aeon.com/coupon/web_coupon.htmlÆON Store Search: https://www.welcome-aeon.com/storesearch/index.html
Information
About ÆON Group
ÆON Group is a retail corporate group based in Japan that has established 21,742 branches (as of February 2018) in 13 countries across Asia.
Its private brand TOPVALU sells high-quality products at an affordable price. The TOPVALU GURINAI range for example stocks a myriad of products crafted with the utmost care through various production techniques, and of the ingredients used only the best are selected.
The GURINAI range is divided into three parts that give customers the opportunity to easily purchase organic products and ingredients. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI Organic’ offers organic foodstuffs marked with the official organic stamp of approval. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI NATURAL’ provides fresh meat that, as a general rule, is farmed using no chemicals. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI free from’ stocks processed foods with additives, raw materials and ingredients taken into strict consideration.
ÆON Group Private Brand TOPVALU: https://www.topvalu.net (Japanese only)
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I began my walk through the streets of Kyoto which since long ago have been at the height of prosperity in Japanese history. I understand the marvel and easing of the heart from strolling around the numerous majestic temples.
The fallen maidenhair tree leaves which had changed colour beautifully were spread across the ground like a carpet leading up to a sacred place. Each step felt precious and cleared my mind.
And there I stood before it, overwhelmed at its magnificence.
This is Higashi Honganji Temple. Inside is a portrait of Shinran, a Japanese Buddhist monk and founder of the Jōdo Shinshū sect of Buddhism. The temple grounds are home to historical architecture, every piece of which stirred my soul as somebody who does not know Japan.
Despite it being my first time here I felt like I had returned once more. I wonder why?
I gave a respectful bow to this temple and its long history while feeling the breath of the people who once lived here.
My heart feels at peace when placing my hands together.
The act of praying may be one that has you facing yourself.
I drank my genmaicha tea and hydrated myself from the dry air while strolling through the temple grounds.
Kyoto is a mysterious place. It has a tolerance to accept anything. It was like the old buildings were talking to me―like they knew me from long ago.
In response and in a trance, I snapped a photo with my camera.
I wanted to burn the beauty of this temple into my memory so I will never forget it.
I was captivated by the sight of the falling leaves. I stood under the maidenhair and gazed as they fluttered. I wonder if somebody else from another time stood here and felt the same as I did as they looked on at Kyoto in fall.
The just-right bitterness and gentle sweetness of my almond chocolate stirs my imagination. The yellow leaves of the maidenhair dyed the path a golden road.
The grand temple and the maidenhair tree. My existence at this moment piles on top of Kyoto’s unimaginably long history as a single instant.
Model / Mala Morgan
Add rich taste to your walk
TOPVALU Almond Chocolate Bitter 70%: ¥198(Before Tax) ¥213 (Tax Included) – 70g
A box of ÆON’s private brand TOPVALU 70% almond dark chocolate is always hidden in my bag. The flavour is moderately sweet and has just the right amount of bitterness perfect for those times when I’m lost in thought. I feel that every time I taste the almond in this chocolate now I will remember the carpet of maidenhair leaves.
TOPVALU Organic Genmaicha: ￥78(Before Tax) ¥84 (Tax Included) – 500ml
This tea is made from 100% organic tea leaves grown in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is a refreshing blend of green tea and flavoursome rice. The healthy ingredients in this tea are good for the body and when they hit every nook and cranny inside me make me want to take a walk anywhere in Kyoto.
We are handing out coupons for the products mentioned here. Be sure to use them the next time you visit ÆON for great discounts.
5% Coupon:
https://www.welcome-aeon.com/coupon/web_coupon.htmlÆON Store Search: https://www.welcome-aeon.com/storesearch/index.html
Information
About ÆON Group
ÆON Group is a retail corporate group based in Japan that has established 21,742 branches (as of February 2018) in 13 countries across Asia.
Its private brand TOPVALU sells high-quality products at an affordable price. The TOPVALU GURINAI range for example stocks a myriad of products crafted with the utmost care through various production techniques, and of the ingredients used only the best are selected.
The GURINAI range is divided into three parts that give customers the opportunity to easily purchase organic products and ingredients. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI Organic’ offers organic foodstuffs marked with the official organic stamp of approval. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI NATURAL’ provides fresh meat that, as a general rule, is farmed using no chemicals. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI free from’ stocks processed foods with additives, raw materials and ingredients taken into strict consideration.
ÆON Group Private Brand TOPVALU: https://www.topvalu.net (Japanese only)
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After my stroll around Kyoto I head back to my hotel for a break and think back over my day. My curiosity is piqued – I want to know more about the history of this place.
Laid sprawled across my bed I picture myself walking through the city, the seasons changing, giving a sideways look at an elegant temple. The vivid cherry blossoms of spring, the cool riverbeds in summer, the autumnal orange hues, and the snow-beds of winter. All of these moments provide a spectacle that cannot be overlooked.
I feel that more wonderful things are still yet to occur. It’s nighttime, and my mind wanders at these thoughts, so I can’t sleep.
I take out the Kyoto guidebook from my baggage. I trace the path I traveled today in my head which vividly brings the sights I saw to my mind’s eye.
I let my body sink gently into the bed and absorb myself in reading, checking all the nooks and crannies of the book.
This ancient city boasted by the island country of Japan, which I crossed the sky and sea to arrive at, is more wonderful than I expected. The orderly townscape makes me sit up and feel tense, in a good way.
My mind becomes clear. It feels as if I have been looking far into the distance for a long time.
“I feel the path I am heading for is beyond that beautiful landscape.”
My heart beats fast at that hope.
I walked a lot today, so I give myself a treat.
I bask in the aromas of the cool sheets I place on my legs and heal my body to the core.
I add to that a touch of permeating organic oil that’s both moist and gentle on the skin. When my skin is happy my heart too benefits.
The night is still young. I enjoy some me-time with my makeup-less skin and heart. Resting like this is another important part of travel.
I flick through the guidebook over and over again and visualise the routes of the places I want to visit. A magic-imbued miracle occurs and I feel this room directly connecting to the places I wish to go to.
Afterwards I enjoy a late-night retro movie. I am sure my coming to love alone-time is thanks to this trip. I also feel I have become a little stronger than I was. I try praising myself as my heart throbs at my favourite scenes which I watch over and over.
Model / Mala Morgan
Give your tired body the luxury time it deserves
TOPVALU Leg & Calf Adhesive Cooling Sheet
¥460 (Before Tax) / ¥496 (Tax Included) – 18 Sheets (14cm x 10cm)On days where my legs become swollen from walking I like to massage my legs in the bath. I then use ÆON TOPVALU’s calf sheets which refresh my legs with the power of their aroma and give them care for the next day. I step into a new world with this body.
TOPVALU GURINAI Organic geo organics Moisturizing Lotion
¥1,800 (Before Tax) / ¥1,944 (Tax Included) – 150mlTOPVALU GURINAI Organic geo organics Pure Oil Macadamia
¥1,800 (Before Tax) / ¥1,944 (Tax Included) – 27ml
This Geo Organics certified skin location uses orange fruit extract as its base which moisturises and is astringent. It steadily permeates the skin and leaves it glowing. I use it together with the organic certified Pure Oil Macadamia. It maintains a balance of normal bacterial flora of the skin and contains lots of palmitoleic acid which is said to enhance barrier function. The power of the macadamia nuts also grants lively skin. I don’t want to mess up tending to my skin even when traveling.
We are handing out coupons for the products mentioned here. Be sure to use them the next time you visit ÆON for great discounts.
🎁 5% Coupon:https://www.welcome-aeon.com/coupon/web_coupon.html
ÆON Store Search: https://www.welcome-aeon.com/storesearch/index.html
Information
About ÆON Group
ÆON Group is a retail corporate group based in Japan that has established 21,742 branches (as of February 2018) in 13 countries across Asia.
Its private brand TOPVALU sells high-quality products at an affordable price. The TOPVALU GURINAI range for example stocks a myriad of products crafted with the utmost care through various production techniques, and of the ingredients used only the best are selected.
The GURINAI range is divided into three parts that give customers the opportunity to easily purchase organic products and ingredients. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI Organic’ offers organic foodstuffs marked with the official organic stamp of approval. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI NATURAL’ provides fresh meat that, as a general rule, is farmed using no chemicals. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI free from’ stocks processed foods with additives, raw materials and ingredients taken into strict consideration.
ÆON Group Private Brand TOPVALU: https://www.topvalu.net (Japanese only)
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After getting to know some Kyoto history I wanted to know more about today’s Kyoto. The enormous and modern terminal of Kyoto Station contrasts with the temples I’m so interested in. The two co-exist in harmony. I could see Kyoto Tower through the glass – it stood tall like it was watching over this ever-changing city. I will change my perspective today and walk the streets like the locals who live here in Kyoto.
My destination is undecided. It’s nice to surrender yourself to the flow of the people once in a while and head towards your goal as in Amidakuji (Ghost Leg lottery). Because I’ve learnt on my trip that you can encounter wonderful things by chance on occasion.
The glass walkway is like a tunnel into the future.
I look at my reflection in the window and see I have become more of an adult.
Stood there I gaze for a long time up at Kyoto Tower. As I stare I think about how the city changes, people change, the days transition, but how there are also things I want to stay the same.
The next place I head to is Aeon Mall, a shopping centre close to Kyoto Station. This is a foreign supermarket to for me, so I get excited. It’s like sifting through a toy box.
An ordinary day for the people living in this country is an extraordinary day for me.
Each and every thing in there is something I’ve never laid eyes on before.
I walk around, forgetting about the passage of time, and get a glimpse into the simple yet happy lifestyle of people.
There’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the mall, something I had been yearning for.
I wonder if my friends would laugh if I told them that the sushi coming round on a conveyor belt is like something out of a Tim Burton movie?
I feel like the protagonist of that film as I eat the sushi that rolls on by.
I visited a general store where everything is sold for ¥100.
I bought a letter set from here and wrote a letter to my precious friend.
To my beloved friend,
Japan is a really wonderful place.
I’m determined to absorb everything I see and experience in the limited time I have here.
I don’t know what I will discover on this trip, what I am heading towards.
It’s hard to describe in words, but I will continue my travels.
Model: Mala Morgan
Aeon Mall Kyoto: A Japan-packed shopping mall 10 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station
Aeon Mall Kyoto is just a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Its shelves are lined with daily necessities, you can dine there, buy souvenirs and more. On Weekends and national holidays there are free shuttles bus that runs every 15 minutes from Kyoto Station’s Hachijoguchi Exit which is very convenient for travellers with heavy luggage.
I really recommend visiting if ever you’re in Kyoto.
Aeon Mall Kyoto
Address: 1 Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, Minami Ward, Kyoto
Business Hours: Different for each store. Please visit the mall’s website below to check opening hours.
Website: http://kyoto-aeonmall.com/
KOHYO (Aeon Mall Kyoto – Sakura Building Floor 1F)
KOHYO is a supermarket that sells various Japanese goods. I get my hands on a range of daily necessities and ingredients as I feel with my own skin what it’s like to real live life in Japan.
Business Hours: 9:00-22：00
Website: http://www.kohyo.co.jp/
Kaiten Sushi Uogashi (Aeon Mall Kyoto – Sakura Building Floor 4F)
Kaiten Sushi Uogashi is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that sells over 20 types of seafood everyday. The ingredients change each day. I reconfirm that I really am in Japan as I tuck into my delicious sushi.
Business Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Website: http://www.maruchu-sushi.com/
DAISO (Aeon Mall Kyoto – Kaede Building Floor 4F)
DAISO stocks new products every single day. There are ¥100-type stores in every country, but the ones in Japan really are something special! They have so many items that make for perfect souvenirs. It’s an irresistible place for girls who love shopping so I’ve got to tell my friends about it.
Business Hours: 10-00-21:00
Website: http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/
Information
About ÆON Group
ÆON Group is a retail corporate group based in Japan that has established 21,742 branches (as of February 2018) in 13 countries across Asia.
Its private brand TOPVALU sells high-quality products at an affordable price. The TOPVALU GURINAI range for example stocks a myriad of products crafted with the utmost care through various production techniques, and of the ingredients used only the best are selected.
The GURINAI range is divided into three parts that give customers the opportunity to easily purchase organic products and ingredients. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI Organic’ offers organic foodstuffs marked with the official organic stamp of approval. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI NATURAL’ provides fresh meat that, as a general rule, is farmed using no chemicals. ‘TOPVALU GURINAI free from’ stocks processed foods with additives, raw materials and ingredients taken into strict consideration.
ÆON Group Private Brand TOPVALU: https://www.topvalu.net (Japanese only)
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[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture.
Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area.
By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.
Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.
[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku
・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023
・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas
■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event
Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)■Snow Miku Photo Spot
Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths.
・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App
A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center,
Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,
Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video
The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!
・On Air: December 1, 2022~
・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)
■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc.
A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities
■Snow Miku Filters Using AR
When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.
Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.
Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.
After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.
Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.
Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!
Information
Travel to Toyama by Private Jet
Available: June 17 – October 26, 2022
Travel Period: June 22 – October 31, 2022
Details: https://www.skytrek.co.jp/tours/toyama-private-jet-plan
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Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?
Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!
Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)
This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!
A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)
Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.
Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)
There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!
Coastal Cabin (Chiba)
You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.
An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)
Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!
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JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.
Original Stickers
The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.
Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.
Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.Information
Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Model Trip Plan
Release Date: May 16, 2022
Trip Dates: May 23 – June 29, 2022 *Some dates are excluded.
Shop: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/plan/shizuoka/yurucamp/Official Site: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/
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The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!
EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.
Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu
Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0
Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren
Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill
Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu
Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0 -
The Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar, located at Hoshino Resort Risonare Kohamajima on Japan’s southernmost island, is holding a special stargazing event until April 20, 2022. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail as they gaze at the countless twinkling stars overhead.
Kohama Island is located within the Yaeyama Islands. With a warm climate, it’s comfortable to spend long hours outside, even at night. Kohamajima was also the first island in Japan to be protected by the IDA (International Darkness Association), meaning that no bright manmade lights can interfere with stargazing. Visitors can see 84 of 88 constellations!
Enjoy a Boundless Starry Sky
The Banyan Tree Terrace will bring guests together to feel the sea breeze and taste colorful mojitos as they enjoy the pleasant weather. Why not spend a relaxing time in a fantastic space lit with faintly glowing candles as you stargaze?
Taste Colorful Mojitos
A limited number of colorful mojitos will be available at a bar counter set up on the terrace for this event only. You can also enjoy Okinawan original mojitos with made with Okinawa lime, brown sugar instead of sugar, non-alcoholic mojitos for children, and tropical fruit mojitos with pineapple and passion fruit.
Munch on Snacks Perfect to Pair with Cocktails
Guests can also enjoy a snack set with salty nuts perfect for enjoying with alcohol!
Information
Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar
Open: March 1 – April 20, 2022
Hours: 19:00-20:00
Location: Banyan Tree TerraceOfficial Site: https://risonare.com/kohamajima/
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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is staying active in 2022. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities, and has been attracting major attention. Kyary’s tour made it to Shimane on March 12, and the details of her next collaboration have been revealed!
Kyary will be teaming up with Nakaura Foods and their delicious local delicacy Dojou Sukui Manju. Known as the representative treat of the San’in region, the name is a reference to the mask worn during local performances of the Yasugibushi folk song. The steamed buns were developed by Nakaura Foods in 1967 and have been loved by locals ever since. In the 2000s, the company began experimenting with new flavors by teaming up with other local creators.
The company’s logo is being reimagined for the project, inspired by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2013 Furisodeshon music video.
The name of the popular product has also been changed to Kyary Sukui Manju! Each box has a pop design and would make a perfect souvenir for Kyary fans.
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. A special LINE collaboration is also underway, and 50 people who order the new Kyary-themed treats from the official Nakaura Foods online store will be entered to win a shirt!
Information
Dojou Sukui Manju (Shimane) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Sales Period: March 12 – April 8, 2022
Where to Buy:
Nakaura Foods Official Online Store
https://www.sanin-nakaura.jp/products/detail/1269
Nakaura Foods Stores in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture and Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture
Collaboration T-shirt
Where to Purchase: LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online Shop
Available until March 25 at 23:59
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/
Commemorative Kyary Sukui Manju T-shirt Gift Campaign
Application Period: April 8, 2022
How to Enter:- Add Nakaura Foods as a friend on LINE and get the campaign keyword.
- Enter the keyword when purchasing Kyary Sukui Manju from the Nakaura Foods online store.
- 50 winners will be selected by drawing to receive a special collaborative T-shirt!
Official Site：https://localpowerjapan.com
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Booking.com Japan has revealed its top four picks for the Japanese accommodations with the best outdoor baths and snow views!
Zao Kokusai Hotel (Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture)
Located 900 meters above sea level and surrounded by the gorgeous natural beauty of the Zao mountains, this resort has long been renowned for its spectacular view of seasonal scenery. During winter, guests can enjoy a fully spring-fed open-air bath while gazing at the snow-capped mountains. The milky white waters of the Zao Hot Springs have high sulfur content which will improve the texture of your skin. The resort also has a bath large enough to accommodate up to seven people at a time and a private bath for families or lovers.
Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa (Date, Hokkaido)
The Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa is surrounded by nature and contains one of the largest open-air baths in Japan, along with 20 unique fragrant baths for guests to enjoy. In winter, the surrounding trees seem to glisten with snow, and visitors are sure to find plenty of peace and relaxation while lounging beneath the grey skies.
Akakura Kanko Hotel (Myoko, Niigata Prefecture)
This highland resort sits on a 1,000-meter peak, offering unmatched views of Niigata Prefecture. The natural hot spring flows from the inside of Mt. Myoko, with healing waters perfect for soaking in during the cold winter months. The large baths are also equipped with a sauna and deck, and those wanting to view the scenery from their room can enjoy guest accommodations with private baths as well!
Satoyama Jujo (Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture)
Winning a design award for its facilities, Satoyama Jujo has a different feel when compared to most hotels and ryokan. Booking.com recommends it for travelers looking for new experiences! In the open-air bath, visitors can relax while enjoying a panoramic view of Mt. Makihata, one of Japan’s 100 most famous peaks. Guests can also enjoy the starry skies at night. This is a perfect location for couples!
Each season in Japan offers uniquely beautiful scenery. How would you like to enjoy winter in one of these luxurious baths?
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The pandemic has changed our lives forever. People have spent the last two years missing travel as they spend more and more time at home, and while many are ready to travel again, it can be difficult to know if it’s the right time to return to normalcy. To make the situation a little easier, many local tourism associations in Japan are posting images on Instagram to inspire people to give traveling another try. These three Instagram accounts are our personal favorites, and once Japan opens to tourists again, you won’t want to miss visiting these areas!
[Official Kumamoto Tourism Association] Motto, motto, Kumamoto!
Instagramでこのプロフィールを見るDiscover the charms of Kumamoto on this local Instagram account featuring photos from four unique local photographers. Many will know the area as the home of the character Kumamon. The images capture the daily lives of Kumamoto residents and include local food and gorgeous scenery. The postings also include the location of the photo and comments from the photographers, making things feel more personal.
[Official Hokkaido Tourism Association] GoodDay Hokkaido
Instagramでこのプロフィールを見るHokkaido is an area rich in gourmet seafood and dairy, but its spectacular landscapes are reason enough to visit. GoodDay Hokkaido shows off both the common and uncommon elements of Hokkaido life, often introducing little-known areas. Each photo is vividly colored, and followers can see different seasons at every time of day as they scroll through the feed. See the best images from Japan’s northernmost island each and every day on your smartphone!
[Ome / Okutama] Umetama
Instagramでこのプロフィールを見るUmetama is an account that introduces places of interest in Ome and Okutama, two of Tokyo’s most scenic towns. Each can be reached in about an hour by train from Shinjuku Station. Visitors can enjoy a gorgeous day trip from the Tokyo center, with the area featuring plenty of campsites and hiking trails. There are tons of stargazing spots, and visitors are often surprised that such incredible nature is so close to Japan’s hectic capital. Those with kids will find plenty to do here, so start taking notes while you scroll through the Umetama page!
More and more young people are finding the appeal of Ome and Okutama, and the area has become the perfect relaxation spot for those seeking refuge from their busy lives. In addition, the craft beer bar Ome Beer, located near Ome Station, sells local alcohol, including Okutama’s popular craft beer ‘Vertere.’ See the lesser-known side of Tokyo on this picturesque account.
Remember how wonderful it is to travel? Hopefully, Japan opens for tourism again soon, and you can visit all of these gorgeous locales.
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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is back in the news. The artist will perform at this year’s Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, and recently released her first full-length album in three years ‘Candy Racer’ in October 2021. On January 16, Kyary embarked on the largest tour of her career, ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ which will see the singer performing 30 shows across Japan.
In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. The 30 stops on the new tour include many that Kyary has not visited before, and were chosen based on the singer’s desire to perform for fans who may not typically be able to attend one of her shows.
This initiative aims to bring attention and support to local industries and to inspire more tourism to rural areas.
This project is a new attempt to enliven local communities by collaborating with companies that have roots in the rural locations where these concerts will be held. These company’s logos have been reimagined, paying homage to the artwork associated with Kyary’s previous song releases. T-shirts designed with each of these collaborative logos will be on sale for a limited time, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local community for development and social contributions.
For the encore of the first live show, Kyary wore a collaboration logo T-shirt inspired by Suzuhiro Kamaboko, a company in Kanagawa Prefecture. The artist also introduced the project and its aim to the excited audience. More collaborations will be announced through July 2021.
Check out the ‘LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project’ website for more details!
Comment from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
“This tour is to commemorate my tenth anniversary, and as I travel all over Japan to express my gratitude to those who have supported me over the past decade, I also want to do something for everyone else. I’m happy to support these local companies and I’d like to work with them to revitalize the entire country. We’ll be engaging in all sorts of collaborations around Japan, so look forward to it!”
January 16, Kanagawa Performance: Suzuhiro Kamaboko
Suzuhiro Kamaboko, a long-established fish paste store in Odawara that has been in business for 156 years, has agreed to take part in the project. Their normally navy blue brand logo has received a major makeover in colorful pink, green, and purple hues.
The T-shirts featuring the new collaboration logo on the front and the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th anniversary logo and ‘LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project’ logo on the back are now available for purchase!
*Otono Kuni (From 4th Album ‘Japamyu,’ 2018)
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/otonokuniJanuary 29, Gunma Performance: Oginoya Kamameshi
Oginoya, the largest Ekiben shop in Japan, was established 136 years ago in Yokokawa, Gunma Prefecture.
Their main dish, Touge no Kamameshi,’ has been sold for over 60 years and often makes appearances at events all over Japan. The company’s logo has been reborn through the lens of Kyary’s popular song Tsukematsukeru. A special kamameshi dish will also be prepared for the project, and will be sold in limited quantities at the Gunma concert venue on January 29, Kyary’s birthday!
*Tsukematsukeru (1st Single, 2012)
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/tsukematsukeruMay 20, Fukushima Performance: Kourakuen
Kyary will appear in commercials for Kourakuen as part of the project. The company started as a small diner in Aizuwakamatsu and is now is a national chain of ramen restaurants serving over 54 million people a year! The new logo and collaboration details will be revealed at a later date, so keep an eye out!
Information
LOCAL POWER JAPAN project
Maybe Baby (Written and Composed by Yasutaka Nakata)
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/KPP_MaybeBaby5th Full Album ‘Candy Racer’ (Produced by Yasutaka Nakata)
Buy the CD: https://nippon-columbia.lnk.to/CANDYRACER
Streaming: https://va.lnk.to/CANDYRACER
LIVE TOUR
Tour Details: https://kpp10.jp/japantour2022/
Ticket Sales:
Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/kpp10th/
Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/kyary-10th/
e+: https://eplus.jp/kyary/ -
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is introducing potential travelers to the charms of Tomakomai, Hokkaido in a new two-part tourism video on her YouTube channel.
In the new videos, fans can see Kyary in a new light very unlike her onstage persona. Along with her tour guides, she travels for two days around this gorgeous city on Japan’s northernmost island.
The first video begins with her visit to a Red Eagles Hokkaido hockey game, quickly followed by tons of outdoor activities like canoeing and horseback riding. The singer enjoys plenty of local dishes and captures some spectacular views of Lake Utonai.
Who is the one who invited Kyary to Tomakomai anyway? Fans will have to watch to find out. Whether living in Japan or dreaming about visiting someday, these videos are sure to inspire a future trip.
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu presents Around Japan
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Tomakomai Tour ~A Beautiful Trip to Tomakomai~
Release Date: December 16, 2021 (Part 1) ／ December 23, 2021 (Part 2)
Where to Watch: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Official YouTube ChannelPart 1:
https://youtu.be/opiLwd1Zaf0
Tomakomai City Tourism Website:
https://www.city.tomakomai.hokkaido.jp/kankojoho/
