Article about Lovely Places

Kawachi Wisteria Gardenis : Wisteria spots representing Kyushu
Misako Matsukura Misako Matsukura

Kawachi Wisteria Gardenis : Wisteria spots representing Kyushu

"Kawachi Wisteria Gardenis" a renowned wisteria garden located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It has gained attention for being selected as one of "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places" by American CNN, attracting visitors from both domestic and international locations.

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Itoshima : A fashionable island with beautiful sea and rich nature
Misako Matsukura Misako Matsukura

Itoshima : A fashionable island with beautiful sea and rich nature

Itoshima City is located in the westernmost part of Fukuoka Prefecture. To the north, a beautiful coastline facing the Genkainada Sea spreads out, to the south are a series of mountains in the backfuri mountain range, and in the middle of these mountains is a gently sloping countryside called the Itoshima Plain, where many scenic spots can be seen.

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Yobuko : A Town where you can eat squid with excellent clarity.
Misako Matsukura Misako Matsukura

Yobuko : A Town where you can eat squid with excellent clarity.

"Yobuko" is a town located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Known as the "Town of Squid," Yobuko has prospered as a natural good port since ancient times, attracting over 900,000 visitors annually, drawn by its superb "live squid" with exceptional clarity.

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"Mobile coffee stand"This unique coffee car is running in Nagano Prefecture.
Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito

"Mobile coffee stand"This unique coffee car is running in Nagano Prefecture.

"Mobile coffee stand"

Located one step away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is a mobile coffee stand where you can smell authentic coffee. The small space is filled with soothing music and warm smiles. Here, a cup of coffee is more than just a drink, it's a special moment.

The first thing that catches your eye is its stylish appearance. The sophisticated design and bright colors blend in with the surrounding scenery and attract the attention of those who stop by. As you approach, you can smell the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. Once you smell it, the scent spreads through your mind and your expectations increase.

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Michi-no-Eki Ogawa, located in Ogawa Village, Nagano Prefecture, is a roadside station that offers a variety of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable stay for its visitors.
Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito

Michi-no-Eki Ogawa, located in Ogawa Village, Nagano Prefecture, is a roadside station that offers a variety of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable stay for its visitors.

Michi-no-Eki Ogawa, located in Ogawa Village, Nagano Prefecture, is equipped with various facilities and services to provide a comfortable stay for visitors.

Firstly, at Michi-no-Eki Ogawa, you can enjoy local specialties and food culture. You can indulge in the unique flavors of the region with fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as locally produced soba and wasabi. The farmers' market, popular among locals, sells fresh local produce and processed goods, with popular items sometimes selling out quickly. Additionally, you can taste local cuisine at the local eateries. A convenience store is also on-site, making it easy to purchase food, drinks, and daily necessities. A wide selection of locally made souvenirs is available, allowing you to easily buy a piece of the region's charm to take home.

Michi-no-Eki Ogawa also provides information on local tourist attractions, natural sights, and activities. Efforts are made to offer easy-to-understand guidance and services in English for travelers from abroad, including the provision of tourist information. Well-maintained toilets and rest areas are perfect for breaks during long drives or for restroom stops. Furthermore, the station is equipped with a parking lot, making car access convenient.

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"Soy Food Kitchen Pachoko"　You can enjoy nutritious meals and desserts made with plenty of soybeans! It's delicious!
Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito

"Soy Food Kitchen Pachoko"　You can enjoy nutritious meals and desserts made with plenty of soybeans! It's delicious!

The name "Pachoko" comes from the language of Malawi in Africa, meaning "small" or "a little." The owner once worked as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in the Republic of Malawi, where they were involved in spreading soy food to improve local nutritional conditions. From this experience, the owner has become passionate about offering healthy and mild-tasting dishes using local Nishiyama soybeans. The shop is located within Michi-no-Eki Ogawa, and its operating hours are from 11:00 to 18:00, closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.

Dishes and sweets made with local Nishiyama soybeans are rich in flavor and nutritional value, especially the Soy Nyama Burger, which is a highly recommended menu item. A juicy soy patty, fresh vegetables, and a special sauce are combined in a perfect balance. It's a popular choice among vegans and vegetarians alike. In addition, there's a wide variety of soy-based side dishes, baked goods, and soy milk drinks available. These products, made with plentiful local soybeans, are healthy, nutritious, and sure to satisfy local tastes. Quiches and tofu nuggets also stand out for their exceptional flavor that highlights the taste of soy.

Moreover, there's a strong commitment to local production and consumption, including the use of local ingredients for miso, soy sauce, ketchup, and broth. Dishes made with local ingredients not only satisfy local tastes but also contribute to the promotion of regional agriculture and the food industry. The shop has a friendly staff that welcomes you with a smile, offering a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. On sunny days, it's also recommended to take a packed lunch or snacks purchased from the shop and enjoy a picnic in one of Ogawa Village's scenic spots. However, to prevent wildlife damage, please make sure to take your trash home with you.

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“Ruisseau-Ogawa”:This French restaurant is a renovated 90-year-old traditional house turned into a French restaurant and a lodging that only accommodates one group per day, all restored by hand.
Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito

“Ruisseau-Ogawa”:This French restaurant is a renovated 90-year-old traditional house turned into a French restaurant and a lodging that only accommodates one group per day, all restored by hand.

This French restaurant is housed in a 90-year-old traditional house that has been personally restored by the owner to serve as both a French restaurant and a lodging that only accommodates one group per day. Lunch is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 16:00 (last order), and dinner is by reservation only but can be arranged on weekdays as well. The accommodation, also limited to one group per day, is open on weekdays. On weekdays, the place operates as an apple farm, allowing guests to enjoy 100% pure apple juice made from their apples.

The traditional house, reconstructed with care and skill, captivates visitors with its charm the moment they step inside. The renovation, reflective of the owner's taste, has created a stylish and comfortable space.

Furthermore, the ingredients are primarily sourced locally, and the establishment also features works by neighboring ceramic artists. Thus, not only the cuisine but also the tableware and the space itself reflect the local culture and aesthetic sensibility. On this occasion, [Insert details of the lunch served], allowing guests to enjoy delicious dishes with a hint of Japanese taste.

The accommodation located on the second floor offers a spacious yet cozy and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a perfect choice for those looking to spend a special moment in Ogawa Village, offering a unique experience where apple orchards, delicious cuisine, and a warm lodging environment harmonize together.

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An inn with a spectacular view of the Northern Alps! A house with only 5 rooms on the mountainLet's stay at "Rinrinkan"!
Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito

An inn with a spectacular view of the Northern Alps! A house with only 5 rooms on the mountainLet's stay at "Rinrinkan"!

The Rinrinkan, a lodging with stunning views of the Northern Alps, operates with the following objectives:

To increase awareness of Ogawa Village and grow its fan base.

To preserve traditional culture and pass it on to the next generation.

To maintain and preserve historical resources (shrines, temples, ancient paths, etc.) for future generations.

To nurture the next generation of individuals.

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"Embracing Warmth and Tradition: The Art of Making Oyaki in Nagano".
Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito Travel and Tourism, Cultural Experiences, Local Cuisine, Outdoor Activities, Workation Hideyuki Ito

"Embracing Warmth and Tradition: The Art of Making Oyaki in Nagano".

"Oyaki making experience"

I had an amazing experience at a place where old traditional techniques and a warm heart intersect. It was a ``Oyaki making experience'' - a heartwarming time to enjoy the taste of good old Japan by hand.

The first thing that catches your eye is its scent. The aroma of freshly baked food fills the restaurant. The aroma of freshly baked food fills your heart with happiness. In front of you is a piece of baked dough carefully made by a craftsman. The flavor of the ingredients is concentrated in the dough.

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Kirishima Shrine : One of the best power spots in Southern Kyushu.
Misako Matsukura Misako Matsukura

Kirishima Shrine : One of the best power spots in Southern Kyushu.

"Kirishima Shrine" is a Shinto shrine located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. It boasts a long history dating back to the 6th century and is famous for its deep connection to mythology. Additionally, it is known as one of the foremost power spots in southern Kyushu.

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