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Kodawari Times

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Kodawari Times

We will tell you about the culture, tourist attractions, and specialties of each region of Japan. We work with a variety of companies in Japan.

We work with restaurants, travel agencies, education, sports, and local governments. In fact, there are many companies in Japan that would like to see more tourism and have their products known to people overseas, but rural areas and small stores are having a very hard time expanding their recognition. We opened this website to introduce delicious foods, sightseeing spots, and recommended Japanese products that are not listed in tourist brochures or on the Internet, from our perspective.

18/12/2024

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Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Exhibited at NATAS Holiday 2024, a Travel Expo in Singapore
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●Singapore’s interest in the Expo is high
Expo summary posters and ticket information flyers are set up in a dedicated Expo booth inside JNTO’s Japan Pavilion booth. Many people wanted to know how to purchase and reserve tickets.
MYAKU-MYAKU was again very active on the main and sub stages. Despite being in Singapore for the first time, we are very popular among children and the elderly.

●Promoted Expo2025 to approximately 300,000+ followers
On the first day of the event, influencers and media who are sharing about travel and food in Singapore were in attendance. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, we asked them to take a photo with MYAKU-MYAKU and post it.Has anyone seen these posts?
The campaign was posted by numerous influencers and was picked up by a total of more than 300,000 followers. The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai was well publicized to the younger generation in Singapore!

●MYAKU-MYAKU photography session in Singapore
MYAKU-MYAKU photo shoot at tourist attractions, which has become a regular feature of our overseas PR activities. This time, Singapore’s official mascot, Merli is also with us.
The board held by MYAKU-MYAKU reads “Best Friends（Shinyu in Japanese）”. They are good friends!
The Expo is less than six months away! For those of you who are interested in the Expo, let's meet in Osaka in 2025!

Expo2025 大阪・関西万博

13/12/2024

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“NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA” the World's Favorite Sock Brand
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●A brand born in Nara Prefecture, the birthplace of socks
Nara Prefecture is the largest producer of socks in Japan, boasting a 60% share of the national market. In Katsuragi City, the center of the prefecture, there is a sock factory “Knit Win” that combines tradition and innovation. The main brand “NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA” is made of high quality natural materials and knitted with the wearer in mind.

●NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA's Factory Store Opens
A factory store of NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA, which has been making traditional socks, opened in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, where the company is headquartered. 80 kinds of socks from NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA and other knit-win brands are available. In this very stylish and cozy space, you can take your time to pick up and choose one pair at a time.

●Craftsmanship Factory Tour
And the Knit Win factory across the street from the store offers factory tours (advance reservations required). To begin with, machines handle about 70% of the sock-making process, and the rest is done by hand! The machines are changed according to the type of yarn and the shape of the socks, and the view of about 130 machines lined up in the factory is breathtaking! The socks are made here by skilled craftsmen.

●NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA recommend
Here are some of the socks we recommend from NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA that were created in this way. All socks are available in S/M/L sizes, so you can choose one regardless of gender!
・EGYPTIAN COTTON PLAIN SOCKS
“Giza Cotton” from the Giza region of Egypt, a rare material in the world, is used. By twisting the yarn as sweetly as possible, you can enjoy the softness of Giza cotton, which is also known as the king of cotton.
・SILK COTTON LOUNGE SOCKS
Silk Cotton Home Socks use silk cotton for the pile that touches the skin, which has high moisture absorption and heat retention properties. They absorb water even when you sweat, so you feel as if you are wrapped in a fluffy towel.
・Linen Cotton Pile Anclet
The linen pile absorbs perspiration, and the crisp, fresh feel is like walking on grass! These short ankle socks are perfect for wearing with sneakers or in hot weather.

●There are also stores in Tokyo and Osaka
NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHUTA socks can be purchased not only at the newly opened factory store in Nara Prefecture, but also at physical stores in Tokyo and Osaka, and at the official online store. If you would like to select socks by actually holding them in your hands, please visit the actual stores!
We recommend you to buy them as a souvenir of Japan, a reward for yourself or a gift for your loved ones♪
Official online store: https://11-11.jp/en/

NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSH*TA

11/12/2024

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Experience History and Nature.
Nara Asuka Village sokoiko! Cycling Tour
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●The Beginning of Japan
About 1,400 years ago, the capital of Japan was located in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture. The period of about 120 years from 593 to 710 AD is called the Asuka Period, which is also the origin of the name of Asuka Village. Prince Shotoku, who was born in Asuka Village, aimed to create an emperor-centered nation. In other words, it is the place where the present Japanese nation began.

●Experience the ancient romance and history of sokoiko! Cycling Tour
If you want to visit Asuka Village, the place where Japan began, “sokoiko! Cycling Tour The Beginning of Japan” is recommended! This cycling tour allows you to feel the romance of ancient times in your body as you visit ancient burial mounds and historical sites that are still shrouded in mystery. You will visit Kengoshizuka Kofun Tumulus, Asukadera Temple, and other sites while listening to the commentary of a local guide.

●Asuka Village Tour Still Full of Charm
Asuka Village tours are not limited to historical cycling! ‘Asuka Night Mystery Tour’ to visit ancient tombs at night by bicycle, ‘Amagoi Rain-Calling Adventure’ to a legendary spot of Rain-Calling, ‘Otsukai! Asuka Food Hunting Cycling Tour’ to visit farmers in Asuka Village and cook and eat local foods, and many other attractive tours.
Find the perfect tour for you!

●“sokoiko! Cycling” for a cycling tour to experience the history of Japan
“sokoiko!Cycling” tours are also available in Hiroshima City, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture, Kitano in Kobe, Kawaba Village in Gunma Prefecture, and other locations throughout Japan.
In both cases, local guides will tell you about the history of the area, so those who wish to experience Japanese history more deeply are encouraged to participate!

27/11/2024

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Secrets of the KINKAKUJI (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto
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●4 Mysteries of the KINKAKUJI
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto's World Heritage sites, is a popular temple for both domestic and international tourists because of its glittering golden exterior. This time, we will share with you some trivia about Kinkakuji Temple that you will enjoy more if you know!

●1 What is the real name of Kinkakuji Temple?
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) is another name for the temple, and its official name is Rokuonji. It became familiar as Kinkakuji because of the gold leaf on the inside and outside of the building.

●2 What are the creatures on the roof?
A “Phoenix” symbolizing peace and prosperity is installed on the roof as a decoration. It is said that it was installed as a symbol to pray for peace in the capital of Kyoto, where there is no conflict.

●3 Why is the first floor not gilded?
It is said that the first floor is for nobles, the second floor is for warriors, and the top floor is for temples, and the reason why the first floor is not gilded is to show the superiority of the warrior class over the nobility.

●4 How much gold leaf is used in the Kinkakuji Temple?
The total amount of gold leaf covering the exterior walls is a whopping 20 kg!
If the Kinkakuji were to be newly re-covered now with the same amount of gold, the price of gold alone is said to be more than 200 million yen. Please come and see the dazzling golden architectural beauty.

20/11/2024

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Just Like the Real Thing!
“Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Japanese Tableware” Capsule Toy
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●Miniature figures reproducing Japanese crafts
Introducing “Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Japanese Tableware,” a new product from the popular Japanese souvenir capsule toy line called “Gacha Gacha”! This is a miniature figure of dishes and food products rooted in Japanese craftsmanship developed by the store. Although small, the texture of the vessels has been reproduced, giving a taste of Japaneseness.

●Gohan no Jikan (mealtime)
A set of Japanese tableware to go with the golden combination of Japanese food, rice and miso soup. Even the grain of the cedar in the Akita cedar bend and the “taste” of the painting on the Minoyaki tea bowls have been finely reproduced.
The set also includes a lacquer bowl and chopsticks that can be washed in a dishwasher.

●Ocha no jikan (tea time)
The texture of Nambu Tetsubin remains unchanged. A set for “tea time” to take a rest with tea and Fuyaki rice crackers. The vessels by “Sh*tsurindo,” a lacquer ware shop established over 230 years ago, carefully reproduce the texture of the “Shin-nuri technique,” in which the finish is achieved with a single coat of lacquer.

●Oyatsu no jikan (snack time)
The mugs and plates of the “Snack Time” set are reproductions of vessels made by Maruhiro, a ceramics manufacturer in Hasamiyaki, Nagasaki Prefecture. The colorful tones will add color to your snack time.
Please enjoy it with boros kneaded with hojicha (roasted green tea) produced in Tsukigase, Nara Prefecture.

●Bansyaku no jikan (evening drink time)
This set makes you want to drink sake in a big gulp. The small plates are inspired by the “Kurawanka Bowl,” porcelain tableware used by common people in the Edo period, and the transparent Nabeshima celadon Tokkuri (Sake bottle) and Ochoko (Sake cup) are finished in a way that could be mistaken for the genuine article.

15/11/2024

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Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Report on JAPAN EXPO PARIS 2024
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●MYAKU-MYAKU arrives in Paris before the Olympics!
Japan Expo Paris 2024 was held from Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14. As you may have noticed, it was held just before the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (July 26-August 11). It could be said that the timing of the event was perfect, with the eyes of the world focused on Paris. MYAKU-MYAKU landed in France. In fact, this was MYAKU-MYAKU’s third trip to France.

●Exhibition booth to promote Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
More than 200 visitors to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan booth sent out photos with MYAKU-MYAKU on social networking sites. The Embassy of Japan in France, COFREX (the company in charge of exhibiting at the France Pavilion), and other related parties visited the booth, and MYAKU-MYAKU was very popular, receiving many interviews from Japanese and local media!
MYAKU-MYAKU was very popular among French children!

●MYAKU-MYAKU also appears at stage events!
MYAKU-MYAKU was also very active on the event stage at the venue! He performed a 10-minute dance with “PSYCHIC FEVER,” a special supporter of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Also, at the Kumamon Stage, the PR mascot character of Kumamoto Prefecture, visitors had a chance to try playing kendama with Kumamon. Many children and families participated in this event as well.

●MYAKU-MYAKU photo session in Paris
In France, a MYAKU-MYAKU photo session was also held in cooperation with the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris.
They posed high at various locations in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe!
These were our PR activities in Paris, France.
We are looking forward to seeing many people from France and meeting them at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan!

Expo2025 大阪・関西万博

13/11/2024

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Japanese Outdoor Brand “LOGOS”
Recommended Camping Goods for Fall
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●What is LOGOS?
LOGOS is an outdoor brand developed by LOGOS Corporation, headquartered in Suminoe-ku, Osaka City. With a brand policy of “from 5 meters on the beach to 800 meters above sea level,” it is a comprehensive outdoor brand that develops and distributes camping and BBQ products and clothing that families can enjoy.
In this issue, we will introduce items recommended for fall and winter camping.

●Tent recommendations for fall camping
“Premium ACORN PANEL EVER DOME L”
¥198,000
A large 2-room tent with an ACORN-top frame for a wide, high, comfortable living space. The spaciousness of the tent allows the entire family to enter and spend time together comfortably.

●Items to add color to your fall camping experience
“Iron Irori (hearth) table”
¥22,990
A light and sturdy steel-topped table that can be used around a bonfire or grill in the Irori (hearth) style of traditional Japanese house cooking and heating equipment.
The whole family can enjoy a relaxing time around the Irori.

●Fall Apparel Recommendations
“CAMP LOGOS Cardboard Knit Hoodie series”
Cardboard knit parka with excellent heat retention and stretchability.
Since it is also available in women's and kids' sizes, the whole family can coordinate with each other.
Cold is the worst enemy of fall and winter camping, so we are glad to have clothing that retains heat.

●Get your items and go camping!
LOGOS still has other items to enjoy fall camping.
If you are coming to Japan for camping or living in Japan for a long time, this is the perfect season for camping and BBQ, so get your camping gear together and go fall camping!

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/goods/logos_autumncamp/

LOGOS～Enjoy Outing～

08/11/2024

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4 Gourmet Foods to Eat in Tsugaru
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●Aomori, a Teasure Trove of Gourmet Foods
Aomori is Japan's largest producer of apples, accounting for approximately 60% of the country's apple production.
Surrounded on three sides by the sea, Aomori is one of the nation's leading sources of seafood. Aomori boasts top-class catches of the highest quality brand of tuna, such as Oma tuna, flatfish, and scallops.

●1　Apple
About 50 varieties of Aomori apples are grown in the prefecture, including “Fuji,” “Tsugaru,” and “Ourin.” There are many apple orchards in the Tsugaru region, where visitors can enjoy apple picking. In addition to eating apples as they are, apple juice, cider (sparkling wine made from apples), apple jam, and other processed products are also recommended.

●2　Apple Sweets
Hirosaki City also has many apple sweets stores, such as apple pie and tarte tatin. A map of stores offering such items in the city is also available, so please check it out. When you visit Hirosaki City, it would be a good idea to compare apple sweets from different stores.

●3　Aomori nokke-don
Aomori Citizens' Kitchen, Aomori Fish and Vegetable Center's famous rice bowl. It is a bowl of hot rice topped with the ingredients of your choice. In addition to fresh seafood caught in Aomori such as scallops and tuna, you can also enjoy a variety of Aomori's delicacies such as side dishes and meats.

●4　Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen
One of Aomori City’s B-Grade Gourmet (cheap and common food loved by the locals). Based on miso ramen originated in Sapporo, Hokkaido, this ramen combines curry powder and milk. The rich miso soup is a perfect match for the stimulation of the curry and the mild, buttery flavor of the milk. Try this supreme bowl of soup that can only be found in Aomori.

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/sightseeing/aomori_tsugaru/

06/11/2024

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4 recommended souvenirs in Tsugaru, Aomori
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●What is Aomori?
Aomori Prefecture is located in the northernmost part of Honshu and is the eighth largest prefecture in Japan. The Tsugaru region in the western part of the prefecture is known as Japan's largest apple producing area and the city with the most snowfall. History and culture are deeply rooted in the prefecture, and a variety of handicrafts are produced.

●1: Tsugaru Biidoro
Biidoro is a glass craft produced by Hokuyo Glass in Aomori City, and is designated as a traditional craft of Aomori Prefecture. The word “biidoro” is derived from the Portuguese word “vidro,” meaning glass. It is popular as a brand of handmade glass tableware, such as tableware and vases, which manifest the Japanese landscape and Aomori's four seasons.

●2: Tsugaru Kaneyama ware
This pottery has been made in the Kanayama district of Goshogawara City since 1985. The pottery is characterized by the “yakishime” technique, in which Aomori clay and firewood are used to bake the pieces at a high temperature of 1,360°C without glaze. Although the pottery is new to history, it incorporates elements of ancient Japanese earthenware and has a rustic, nostalgic texture.

●3: BUNACO
This wooden product, created in 1956, is made from beech trees grown in Aomori Prefecture, which boasts the largest accumulation of beech trees in Japan. The unique technique of making thin tapes of beech, which absorbs a lot of water, and wrapping them around like a baumkuchen is a distinctive feature of the company's products. Their tableware, lamps, speakers, and other interior products are also handmade one by one.

●4: Nuruyu Wooden kokeshi doll
Kokeshi dolls are wooden dolls made in hot spring resorts in the Tohoku region. The kokeshi dolls that spread around the Nuruyu Onsen (hot springs)
in Kuroishi City are also known as Tsugaru kokeshi dolls, with the head and body made from a single piece of wood. The body is decorated with the Tsugaru clan's family crest (peony pattern), nebuta-e (daruma painting), and Ainu patterns.

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/sightseeing/aomori_tsugaru/

01/11/2024

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Tsugaru, Aomori, famous for its beautiful nature and Nebuta Festival
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●History of Aomori
This is a historical town where people have lived since ancient times, some 16,000 years ago. In modern times, Aomori was largely bifurcated into the western Tsugaru region and the eastern Nanbu region, two regions with different cultures and histories. These two regions were merged into Aomori Prefecture in 1871 during the Meiji Era.

●Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. One of the 12 castles in Japan with an existing castle tower, Hirosaki Castle was built in 1610 by the second lord of the Tsugaru domain, Nobuhira Tsugaru.
It is a spectacular spot where seasonal events are held and the castle and natural scenery harmonize.

●Nebuta Museum WA RASSE
This facility introduces the history and charm of Aomori's famous Nebuta Festival, held every August, and allows visitors to experience the festival throughout the year. The highlight is the actual large Nebuta (large doll-shaped floats made of bamboo, wood, wire, paper, etc.) on display on the first floor.
During the festival, they are lit up and dance around while shouting “rassera, rassera”.

●Nakano Momiji-yama
Nakano Momiji-yama (Nakano Maple Mountain) in Kuroishi City is famous as one of the best places in Aomori to view the autumn leaves. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of approximately 130 colorful maple trees, each over 100 years old, reflected in the waterfalls and valleys. The best time to view the leaves is from late October to early November, when they are illuminated at night.

●Takayama Inari Shrine
Located in Tsugaru City, this shrine is a god of good fortune for a good harvest, safety at sea, and prosperous business. The torii gates look otherworldly in the four seasons: Sakura（Cherry Blossom） in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and snowy landscapes in winter. The observation deck at the top of the torii is home to more fox statues than can be counted.

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/sightseeing/aomori_tsugaru/

23/10/2024

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Sustainable Leather Stationery “CleLe” go on sale
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●Stationery made from recycled leather
Osaka-based Nakabayashi Corporation will launch the “CleLe” sustainable stationery series using recycled leather nationwide in late September 2024. “CleLe” is an environmentally friendly stationery series made of recycled leather, which is upcycled from leather scraps and pieces left over from the production of leather products.
The product name comes from “CleLe,” which is derived from a portion of the recycled leather.

●Changes in leather over time
Since it is made from recycled leather made from scraps of natural leather, the longer you use it, the more you can enjoy the aging process of the leather, just like genuine leather products. It has a luxurious feel that only leather products can have, and can be used regardless of the occasion, such as at home, on a short trip, or at the office.

●LINEUP
The lineup includes five types: flat case A5/B6, pen case, and spring pouch M/S. All are practical and easy to use, and the chic color of leather gives them a mature look.
[Common specifications]
Product name: CleLe
Color range: Brown (BR), Gray (GY)
Material: Recycled leather
Release date: Late September 2024
Sales area: All over Japan

●How about leather stationery?
“CleLe” is environmentally friendly stationery made from leather scraps. Many people find it difficult to afford leather products such as bags and wallets, but with stationery such as pen cases and pouches, it is easy to have leather products. Because they have a luxurious feel, we recommend them as a gift or as a reward for yourself. We encourage you to start using leather products in your everyday stationery.

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/goods/sustainable-recycled-leather-stationery-clele/

18/10/2024

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“Manga Meat Bone Mini Bento Pick” from Niigata Tsubame
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●The usual side dish becomes “manga meat”!
Manga Meat Bone®, a bone-shaped tableware created based on the idea of real-life cartoon and anime meat, is now available as the third product in the series that has become a hot topic on social networking sites. It’s a dream come true, an easy way to recreate miniature cartoon meat by simply stabbing it into a meatball or sausage.
●Stick one or two bones
The set includes 4 bones, one large bone (74 mm long) and two small bones (42 mm long), which can be used not only as single sticks, but also in combination. You can enjoy endless arrangements by stabbing not only meat but also various foods such as quail eggs and jelly.

●Made in Tsubame! Japanese Craftsmanship
Manga Meat Bone® is a bento pick seriously made by Japanese craftsmen. The molds for the Manga Meat Bone® resin picks are made in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, the pride of Japan's metalworking town. The beautiful form, which references realistic bones, is filled with the skills of mold craftsmen.

●Safe lunch box items for children
The rounded tip of the pick is designed to be safe for small children. Both children and adults will surely be thrilled to include “Manga Bone Meat” in their lunch boxes.
[Manga Meat Bone Mini Bento Picks]
Contents: 2 pieces of each of 2 sizes (4 pieces)
Place of Origin: Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture　
Price: 550 yen (tax included)

★Click here to see the details of the information.

16/10/2024

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Expo 2025 Construction Tour! What is the Expo site now?
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●The tour takes place on the Grand Roof Ring
The Expo construction tour was held on June 30 at the Grand Roof Ring, the centerpiece of the venue. You can clearly see that construction is progressing quite well.
On August 21, after the tour was over, the wooden portion connecting the main roof, which is approximately 2 km in circumference, was completed, making it one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

●Participants expressed their expectations
There will be two tours: one for the general public organized by the Japan Association for the 2025 International Exposition, and the other for junior high and high school students organized by Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City.
A participant commented, “The Grand Roof Ring was bigger and more spectacular than I expected! I want to visit the private sector pavilion when the expo opens.”

●MYAKU-MYAKU also appeared!
During the tour for junior high and high school students, Osaka Governor Yoshimura climbed to the top of the Grand Roof Ring with the participants and personally explained about the Expo! MYAKU-MYAKU, the official character of the Expo, also made an appearance, and everyone took a commemorative photo at the end of the tour. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that there are people looking forward to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai!

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/blog/expo2025_construction_tours/

13/10/2024

🔵6 Months to Go！🔵🔴
October 13 marks six months until EXPO 2025 opens🎉A futuristic experience beyond imagination is just around the corner! 🌍

Pavilion info:The MYAKU-MYAKU Pavilion offers visitors the opportunity to experience amazing and moving exhibits that convey the interconnectedness of life and the possibilities of the future. We are working hard to bring surprises and excitement to everyone! We hope you'll be looking forward to it✨

We are working hard to bring surprises and excitement to everyone! We hope you'll be looking forward to it✨

※Kousoku Offset Co., Ltd. the operator of Kodawari Times, is the PR supplier for EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN.

↓Check this article for ticket information!
https://kodawari-times.net/blog/expo2025-tickets/

Expo2025 大阪・関西万博
#想像以上が万博だ

#大阪関西万博
#ミャクミャク
#日本 #関西
#大阪 #いのち輝く未来社会のデザイン

09/10/2024

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Souvenirs and Gourmet Food in Nikko
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●What is Nikko?
Nikko City is located in the northwestern part of Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo. Nikko is also home to many World Heritage-listed “shrines and temples in Nikko” and hot spring resorts, making it a popular tourist destination both in Japan and abroad. In this issue, we will introduce recommended souvenirs and gourmet foods in Nikko.

●Souvenir 1: Nikko-bori
Nikko carving is one of the traditional crafts of Nikko, using horse chestnut, Japanese white cypress, and Japanese Judas tree, etc.
The unique carving knives used in Nikko carving are characterized by deeply carved, powerful-looking curves, and there is a wide variety of Nikko carving, including trays, tea sets, confectionery dishes, plates, tables, and flower stands.

●Souvenir 2: Nikko Ningyo Yaki
Ningyo-yaki is a traditional confectionery made by filling a sponge cake dough made of flour, eggs, and sugar with red bean paste and baking it in various molds. Nikko Ningyo Yaki features the famous sculptures of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, such as the “three monkeys” and the “sleeping cat,” making it an artistic Japanese confectionery.

●Gourmet 1: Nikko Yuba
Nikko is one of the two major producers of yuba, along with Kyoto. There is a difference between Kyoto and Nikko yuba. Yuba is made by pulling up the thin film formed when soy milk is boiled. Kyoto's yuba is made in a single layer, while Nikko's yuba is made in two layers with soy milk in between, making it thicker. In Nikko, yuba is served as the main ingredient in dishes such as boiled or sashimi.

●Gourmet 2: Nikko soba
Blessed with magnificent nature and clear streams flowing from beautiful mountains, this is the perfect place for soba production. The combined skills of soba artisans have made Nikko a renowned soba production center for its high-quality, aromatic soba.
There are more than 100 soba restaurants in Nikko, each of which offers its own special buckwheat noodles.

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/sightseeing/history-of-nikko/

04/10/2024

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Recommended sightseeing spots and autumn foliage in Nikko!
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●History of Nikko
The Nikko area in Tochigi Prefecture is a popular tourist destination filled with nature and history, only a couple of hours from Tokyo. Nikko dates back to 766, when the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin founded Mt.Nikko. In 1617, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, was built and soon became crowded with visitors.

●Nikko Toshogu Shrine
The shrine represents the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”. The shrine grounds are lined with 55 buildings, including 8 national treasures and 34 important cultural properties. Highlights include a five-story pagoda, which is rare for a shrine, and various wooden statues of animals on the buildings. The “three monkeys” and the “sleeping cat” sculptures are well-known.

●Kinugawa Onsen
Discovered in the Edo period (1603-1867), this is a historic hot spring that at that time only Buddhist monks and feudal lords on pilgrimages to Nikko were allowed to enter. The quality of the spring is alkaline simple hot spring, which is good for neuralgia, stiff shoulders, recovery from fatigue, and health promotion, and is tasteless, odorless, and gentle on the skin.

●Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is the most famous of Nikko’s many waterfalls. The water from Lake Chuzenji falls all the way down the 97-meter-high cliff, creating a spectacular waterfall that offers both the grandeur of nature and the beauty of its magnificent formations.
In October, the maple, azalea, and alder trees change color, providing a beautiful view of the powerful waterfall and autumn leaves.

●Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple
Nikko-zan Rinnoji Temple has a history of 1,250 years. It is one of the shrines and temples in Nikko and is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. Maples colorfully illuminate around a large pond in the center of Shoyoen, a Japanese garden created by Enshu Kobori, a landscape architect of the Edo period (1603-1868).

★Click here to see the details of the information.
https://kodawari-times.net/sightseeing/history-of-nikko/