Japan in the autumn season is truly a sight to behold. Travelling to Shizuoka Prefecture during autumn calls for a trip to Izunokuni Panorama Park, where one can gaze at the autumn colours blooming at the peak of Mount Katsuragi. The best time to visit is from late November to early December, especially to see the tunnel of trees at Izunokuni Panorama Park’s Boardwalk which blossom reds and yellows.
The Boardwalk’s autumn tunnel
At the centre of Fujimidai Terrace you will find the Boardwalk which is home to a tunnel of autumnal trees. Visitors can enjoy the warmth of the sun filtering through the multicoloured leaves together with a cool breeze as they walk the leaf-littered path. Late November and early December is the height of autumn in this area, and on a clear day, Mount Fuji is clearly visible, making it a must-visit for anyone travelling to Japan in autumn.
A beautiful view of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji for the New Year
Izunokuni Panorama Park will also be open on New Year’s Day—January 1, 2021—from 5:00am, offering visitors a breathtaking view of the sunset, Suruga Bay, and Mount Fuji from Fujimidai Terrace atop Mount Katsuragi. What a way to start the New Year. Additionally, the first 200 visitors each day from January 1st-3rd will also be given an ema plaque from Katsuragi Shrine.
Information
Izunokuni Panorama Park
Official Website: https://www.panoramapark.co.jp/
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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 EventOver 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 SpotSnow 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 AppA 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 ARWhen 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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From November 11, 2022 until August 2023, Izu Granpal Park in Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 8th Izu Kogen Grand Illumination event! The Izu Kogen Grand Illumination was ranked #1 in the Walker+National Illumination Ranking for six consecutive years and is beloved by visitors of all ages. This isn’t just a collection of pretty lights–the Grand Illumination also includes a number of hands-on experiences for everyone to enjoy. In 2021, the event won first place in the Ninth Illumination Awards for the second year in a row. Known as Japan’s first ‘hands-on illumination experience,’ the park has continued to evolve year after year, adding more attractions and finding its unique style. These attractions include a zip line through the lights, Dinosaur Go-Karts, and more.
This year, the Flower Lantern Area and Sweets Lantern Area have been completely redesigned and upgraded to be even more three-dimensional and colorful. Come enjoy this incredible world of lights and have some fun with the whole family! Information
Izu Kogen Grand Illumination ~8th Season~ (Hands-on)
Venue: Izu Granpal Park
Running: November 11, 2022 – August 2023
Official Site: https://granillumi.com
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Starting on August 11, Chibi Maruko-chan Land in Shizuoka will begin a series of events in collaboration with Rascal the Raccoon! Exclusive merchandise will be on sale during the event period, so fans of either franchise won’t want to miss out.
Rascal has come to play in the world of Chibi Maruko-chan! Nakano-san is a little afraid of the animal, but Rascal tries to calm him down. This adorable imagery is everywhere, and everyone’s favorite raccoon meets a ton of popular characters from the Maruko-chan anime and manga series, so be sure to take a look! On opening day, Maruko and Rascal will greet guests at the entrance. A photo session will be available for guests with admission tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. For a limited time only, the projection mapping area in the park will host a Chibi Maruko-chan Carnival dance event with Maruko and Rascal! Merch at a Glance
Medical Diary Cover: ¥550 / Pen: ¥550 / Mechanical Pencil: ¥550 / Clear Folder: ¥385
Wet Tissue Pack (2 varieties): ¥550 each / Mini Towel: ¥880 / Hand Sanitizer Spray: ¥880 / Acrylic Stand: ¥1,430
*Sample Image A campaign is also underway at Chibi Maruko-chan Land. Those spending ¥2,000 or more on Maruko goods or collaboration goods will receive an original sticker while supplies last. Come have fun with Maruko and Rascal during this special event!Information
Chibi Maruko-chan Land
Collaboration Event Dates: August 11-15, 20, 21, 27, 28
*The photo session will only be held on August 11.Address: S-Pulse Dream Plaza 3F (13-15 Irifunecho, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka)
Official Website: https://chibimarukochan-land.com/ -
From July 22 until August 21, fans of the adorable character Chiikawa will want to visit Shizuoka PARCO! The Chiikawa Chinese Restaurant and Drink Stand will be offering up some themed dishes for a limited time.
Original Menu at a Glance
Cream Soda with Winning Lottery Number
Otter's Iced Cocoa
Hot Spring Style Hot Apricot Milk with Marshmallows
Chestnut Manju Alcohol-Free Drink
Chiikawa Meat Bun
Bonus for Drink Orders: Original Cafe Coaster (17 varieties)
Original Goods at a Glance
Mini Glass
Clear Folder
Acrylic Smartphone Ring
Silicon Ice Tray
Drawstring Bag
T-Shirt / Meat Bun
Goods Purchase Bonus
The Chiikawa Chinese Restaurant is a collaborative cafe project featuring a Chinese-inspired menu and newly-drawn illustrations. This cafe was a huge hit in Tokyo in the past, and those who missed out will have another chance to enter the world of this popular character! The collaboration menu includes three kinds of cream soda with a winning lottery stick, iced cocoa similar to a strawberry parfait, and other items to enjoy the world of Chiikawa. Guests can also purchase goods featuring illustrations of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi in Chinese costumes. Come have a tasty snack and a refreshing drink while you grab some limited Chiikawa merch! ©nagano / chiikawa committeeInformation
Chiikawa Chinese Restaurant and Drink Stand
Running: July 22 – August 21, 2022
Venue: Shizuoka PARCO (6-7 Yoichi, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka)
Drink Stand: 1F Parque CafeGoods Shop: 3F Special Event Space
Hours: 10:00-20:00
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The globally popular 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 original comic has sold over 7 million copies, and the series has helped people around the world destress. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021. An animated film will arrive in theaters on July 1, 2022. The series has announced a collaboration with Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, which are both depicted in the work, as well as JR Central. The ‘Laid-Back Camp Dramatic Puzzle Solving Game: Two Treasure Maps and a Trip Down Memory Lane’ event will run from July 1 until August 31, 2022. The Rin Route will begin in Kofu and the Nadeshiko Route will start in Shizuoka. Participants will receive a small gift for completing each route. In conjunction with the event, JR Central will sell special Laid-Back Camp one-day round-trip tickets, and a collaboration train will be decorated with illustrations from the series. The poster for the event shows new illustrations of Rin and Nadeshiko made by Green House, the illustrators behind Bikkuriman. These illustrations will also appear on a variety of original goods! When Japan opens again, how would you like to journey through these beautiful areas? ©あfろ・芳文社／野外活動委員会
Information
Laid-Back Camp Dramatic Puzzle Solving Game: Two Treasure Maps and a Trip Down Memory Lane
Running: July 4 – August 31, 2022
Booklet Distribution Locations:
Yamanashi Prefecture – Kofu City Tourist Information Center / Shimobe Roadside Station / Minobu Station Shop
Shizuoka Prefecture – Shizuoka City Tourist Information Center
Details: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/kankou/event/2022_yrcm_summer.html