The strawberry picking season has arrived again this year. Everyone loves strawberry picking, where you can enjoy sweet and sour strawberries to your heart’s content.

We have picked some recommended farms in Nara Prefecture for your outing reference.

There are many delicious strawberries in Nara Prefecture, including original varieties such as “Asuka Ruby” and “Kotohana”.

Therefore, this time we will introduce strawberry picking spots that can be enjoyed in Nara Prefecture.

If you fall into any of the above categories, be sure to check out this article!

Onoue Farm～Strawberry Farm “Ruby”～

At “Onoue Farm～Strawberry Farm “Ruby”～” (Kurihara, Asuka Village, Takachiho County, Nara Prefecture), you can enjoy night-time strawberry picking.

It’s a unique strawberry farm where you can experience picking in the evening, perfect for a date.

It’s also recommended for those who are busy during the day and find it hard to go strawberry picking.

The greenhouse is lit up at night, and you can enjoy strawberries in a fantastical atmosphere with background music.

The start time for the evening session varies by season, and you can choose a convenient time from the 30-minute intervals to make a reservation.

Especially around sunset, the illumination looks even more beautiful, so it’s recommended to check the sunset time of the day you visit before making a reservation.

At this farm, you can enjoy plenty of Nara’s original variety, “Asuka Ruby”.

Asuka Strawberry Picking Park

There are many strawberry picking facilities in Asuka Village, but this “Asuka Strawberry Picking Park” (Asuka Village, Takachiho County, Nara Prefecture) is characterized by having 17 farms within the park.

Which farm to use will be informed at the time of reservation.

Here you can enjoy a 30-minute all-you-can-eat experience of Nara’s brand strawberry “Asuka Ruby”.

“Asuka Ruby” is also known as a red jewel, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and is juicy.

It’s a glossy, large strawberry.

The strawberries at “Asuka Strawberry Picking Park” are cultivated in an elevated system, so you can enjoy harvesting comfortably without bending. Additionally, you can also take strawberries home, sold by 100g, perfect for those who want to enjoy strawberries at home.

Fraoula Farm

Enjoy strawberries grown in specially-prepared soil rich in organic materials at “Fraoula Farm” (Nara City, Naracho). The farm practices reduced pesticide cultivation, making it safe for small children and a recommended spot for families.

The varieties of strawberries available depend on the season, but you can taste and compare up to four different types.

There is also a direct sales store on-site where you can buy strawberries by the pack, which is great for those looking for souvenirs. The store also has clean restrooms for a comfortable visit.

Moreover, the farm is about an 18-minute drive from “Nara Park”, making it a great addition to a Nara sightseeing plan. It is also accessible by train.

Papillon Farm

At “Papillon Farm” (Moriomotocho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture) located in Tenri City, they employ a unique cultivation method known as electronic technique cultivation.

This method enhances photosynthesis using air, water, and carbon. The farm uses water rich in negative ions and embeds finely crushed charcoal in the soil, effectively incorporating each element to produce delicious electronic strawberries.

At Papillon Farm, you can enjoy the “Yumeno Ka” variety.

“Yumeno Ka” is known for its high sugar content and refreshing taste.

The farm also has an on-site store where you can buy fresh, freshly picked strawberries as souvenirs.

CAP35

Enjoy all-you-can-eat of Nara’s brand strawberry “Kotoka” at “CAP35” (Kizeno, Sangou Town, Ikoma County, Nara Prefecture).

The beautiful “Kotoka” strawberries of “CAP35,” with their glossy, deep red appearance, are known for their balance of sweetness and acidity, delicious taste, and rich aroma.

Grown in soil cultivated with a dedication to organic fertilizers, these strawberries boast a rich and flavorful taste.

In addition to enjoying the strawberries you pick, you can also take them home by weight, and they are available for sale by the pack, allowing you to savor delicious strawberries at home.

Besides strawberries, CAP35 also produces various vegetables and fruits, such as mini tomatoes “Petit Puyo” (early June to early August), taro, and black beans, and sells them at their direct sales store.

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Strawberries, which are in season from winter to early spring, are rich in sugar content and also abundant in Vitamin C.

In the prefecture, you can enjoy various varieties of strawberries such as Shizuoka-born “Benihoppe”, “Akahime”, and “Kirapika”, each with different levels of sweetness, acidity, and aroma.

It’s recommended to go strawberry picking targeting the best season for your favorite variety.

Please check with the farm about the season and the best time to eat, as it depends on the variety and the state of the fruit.

Chubu Area

Hamamatsu Fruit Park Tokinosumika (Hamamatsu City)

At “Hamamatsu Fruit Park Tokinosumika,” you can harvest about 15 types of fruits annually, from classics like mandarins and cherries to rare fruits like figs.

You can pick as little as one piece and they will sell by weight, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a variety of fruits in small quantities.

Strawberry picking is available from December 16 to June 2, with varieties including “Akahime,” “Kaorino,” “Benihoppe,” “Yotsuboshi” (specific variety requests are not possible).

They are also trying new varieties! The available varieties on the day are a surprise.

Yamauchiya (Shizuoka City)

“Yamauchiya” is located at the foot of Mt. Kunou.

In 2023, they focused on soil improvement inside the stone walls by greatly reducing the use of pesticides and switching to organic fertilizers.

Enjoy “Akahime” and “Benihoppe” strawberries, lovingly cultivated by female staff who inherit traditional farming methods.

You can check business hours and make reservations on their website.

In the eat-in space, you can purchase freshly picked strawberries, juice and gelato made from them, and additive-free jam.

Additionally, parking is free when you go strawberry picking, and you can also visit Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine.

Strawberry Picking Park & Strawberry Cafe Kunoya (Shizuoka City)

Located near the national treasure Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine, “Kunoya” cultivates sweet and juicy “Akahime” strawberries in 128 greenhouses utilizing the southern slopes of Mt. Kunou.

The start of the strawberry picking season is planned for December, and it may vary depending on the strawberries’ condition, so please check the latest information on their website.

At the strawberry cafe, you can enjoy desserts like Ieyasu Parfait and fruit daifuku.

※Strawberry picking customers get free parking for one day at Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine.

Izu Area

Yes! Strawberry (Ito City)

“Yes! Strawberry,” in its 15th year of strawberry picking, continuing a farm that has been operating for over 50 years. They offer elevated cultivation that allows picking without squatting, and it’s wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Furthermore, the facility is family-friendly, with a kids’ space and other amenities, ensuring a fun experience for families.

The strawberry picking season runs from December 15 to May 6.

The breeds include “Benihoppe,” “Kaorino,” and continuing from last year, “Yotsuboshi.”

Strawberry Farm 21 (Izu no Kuni City)

A small strawberry picking farm where you can compare “Akahime” and “Benihoppe” grown in elevated cultivation. No reservations are accepted, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s recommended to visit early.

There are unique rules at “Strawberry Farm 21” to protect the precious strawberries for the guests. They continue to cultivate richly flavored, delicious strawberries so that every visit is enjoyable.

The strawberry picking season starts on December 15.

The recommended time for peak ripeness is December to January.

Ema Strawberry Picking Center (Izu no Kuni City)

With 90 greenhouses, “Ema Strawberry Picking Center” is Izu’s largest (and the largest in Shizuoka Prefecture) strawberry theme park, attracting about 100,000 visitors during the season.

The available strawberry varieties for picking are the large “Akahime” and “Benihoppe,” which is a breed improved from Akahime. Which one you can eat depends on the greenhouse you visit.

The season runs from December 15 to May 5, and from this year, individual reservations are also available, allowing for an enjoyable experience without worrying about waiting times.

Fuji Area

Time of Sowing Strawberry Farm (Gotemba City)

In its 7th year, the Gotemba Highland Time of Sowing’s own farm offers strawberry picking of “Benihoppe” and “Akahime” varieties.

They adopt “thinning” to concentrate nutrients in the strawberries, which limits the number of visitors but results in larger and sweeter strawberries.

The farm employs elevated cultivation, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

There’s an option for hot chocolate. Enjoy a different kind of deliciousness from condensed milk.

※ When setting your car navigation, please use “Gotemba City Koyama Elementary School” instead of “Gotemba Highland Time of Sowing.”

Red Pearl (Fujinomiya City)

“Red Pearl” in Fujinomiya, at the foot of Mount Fuji, grows fully ripened “Benihoppe” strawberries.

They wait until the last moment for harvesting, allowing you to pick large, ripe strawberries characterized by their strong sweetness.

Strawberry picking (strawberry harvesting) starts in mid-January.

It’s reservation-based with a relaxed 60-minute time limit!

Each group has its designated area, so you can enjoy the strawberries at your own pace without worrying about other customers.

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Especially, “three large projection mappings and six large illuminations” are the must-sees!

As the new illuminations on the water, “Frozen ocean” and “Terrace of the light” appear, it increased the charm.

You, too, why don’t experience the world of fantasy at “Lagunasia”?

What is “The most lighted in history: Laguna in winter”?

Located inside of “LAGUNA TEN BOSCH”, a complex type resort, “Lagunasia” is a theme park with the theme of the sea.

You can enjoy variously, including attractions and entertainment shows, throughout a year, day and night.

“The most lighted in history: Laguna in winter” is the very popular event, that makes inside the park with full of various abundant colors.

Especially, “three large mapping projections” (Neige, Amaze, and Agua) and “six large illuminations” (Frozen ocean, Terrace of the light, Rainbow arch of good luck, Meadow of the light, Palace of the blue, and the Jewel garden) are the must-sees.

The event hours of the mapping projection show and the illumination shows are scheduled, so you will enjoy going around the park and attractions between the scheduled time.

Although they will announce at the time of the beginning of the shows, let’s check scheduled times and event places in advance so that you will not be in a hurry inside the wide park.

After you go through the ticket entrance gate, you will be welcomed by “Zerofiss Square” that is beautifully illuminated!

If the timing is good, you can see the characters of Lagunasia, including Gato, the cat, and Peato, the pelican.

Beyond the square, there are waiting for you many more worlds of the light.

“Six large illumination” of must-sees

The best of attention in this season is “Frozen ocean“, the newly appeared illumination of the water.

“Beach of Joya Mare” that is a swimming pool in the summer season transformed to the sea of light shining in blue.

When you go under an arch of the light, which is equipped on a bridge, you will be welcomed by a big tree of the light.

“Illumination show”, which the light changes brilliance corresponding to music, is also held.

Please check the event hours on the official website.

Also in “Terrace of Siesta”, where you can overlook whole Lagunasia, “Terrace of the light” appeared newly!

On a ceiling, there expands illumination like stained-glass, and when you go through under it, you will be surrounded by solemn and gentle lights.

For visiting the remaining four large illuminations, let’s go forward to a connecting bridge that continues to “Flower Lagoon”.

On the connecting bridge, there set “Rainbow arch of good luck”.

Illumination arch of twelve units and one million bulbs is one of the biggest classes in Japan!

It continues to the other side in the jet black darkness, and it leads to the new fantastic world.

After you crossed the connecting bridge, there expands “Meadow of the light” on your left side.

The way about 3,500 lanterns looking like a meadow change colors, as if rolling waves, is a beauty beyond words expression!

In the middle, a large but cute symbol tree of 10-meter height and 13-meter diameter is standing tall.

“Illumination show” is also held three times a day.

“Flower Lagoon” of the night is also attractive!

Behind “Meadow of the light” shines “Palace of the blue“.

Not just viewing it from outside, but let’s try going inside by all means.

You can experience the world of extraordinary that is full of lights of marine blue.

In “Flower Lagoon” that is the entertainment garden, located on the right side after crossed the connecting bridge, “Jewel garden” is held!

In a beach of the center, there are set with illumination in the water that uses small LEDs of the latest technology.

It is imaged with “Flower of the light”, and is a beauty as if studded with jewelry.

Flowers blooming in the Flower Lagoon are also illuminated!

“Illumination show” linked with music is also held at any time.

In Flower Lagoon, there are illuminations, including “Flower oval” that is full of crammed flowers on the whole walls of 360 degrees, “Flower valley” that many flowers expand even under the glass corridor, and “Flower Sky” that is an arch of the flowers, so you can enjoy seasonal flowers from various angles.

It is a happy point that you can enjoy illuminations even during the periods other than the period of the winter Laguna!

After the sunset, shined by the gentle light and the moonlight, it becomes a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that during day time.

Powerful and Impressive and “three large projection mapping” of Lagunasia

You cannot miss also “three large projection mapping” that Lagunasia is proud of.

“AMAZE“, a projection mapping of a car chase and action can be watched right beside of “meadow of the light”.

Please don’t miss it because it is held twice a day (for about 8 minutes long).

On the wall of “the temple of Bahamut” that is 14-meter height and 33-meter width, actual cars that move are arranged.

It is the first direction in Japan that the mapping is projected these cars!

The actual cars rotate linking with videos, and it expresses the videos of full of presence that runs in futuristic cities, etc.

You will fall into illusion as if you are running, and it is breathtakingly powerful.

The water projection mapping show “AGUA” is held at the center pool.

“Water projection mapping” that makes a surface of the water a screen is the first in Japan.

Appearing also the show cast and a giant balloon, it expresses a fantastic world that mermaid swim and spirits fight of a dragon and fire.  With such splendor, it seems as if the coldness is blown away!

The show is held only once a day (for about 15 minutes).

As a result, it will be much crowded, so it is challenging to secure a space for watching.

You can be at ease if you buy the viewing seats (500 Yen) in advance!

Seats on the ground floor are close to the show cast, and you can watch well the water projection mapping from the seats on the second and the third floors.

360 degrees 3D Mapping Projection “NEIGE” is held twice a day (for about nine minutes) at “Zerofiss Square” that is right after you entered the park.

The mysterious spaces that include the world of snow and ice that beautifully changes and moving house of candies are expressed by using walls that surrounds the square!

3D projection mapping that unfolds in 360 degrees is the first in Japan.

Dressed like shining fairies and unique soldiers, the show casts also appear.

They make warming up the world of “NEIGE”.

Ideally, the place for watching is around the center of the square where you can overview four walls, but there will be fairly crowded.

Although it is a bit far from the show casts, it is also recommended to view from the second floor of the building as it is spacious.

10 kinds of “Photo Shooting Spots of Light”

“Photo Shooting Spots of Light” of outstandingly good for photo shooting increased to ten kinds in this season.

Photo shooting spots, where you can take photos together with shining attractions and a Christmas tree, newly appear!

It is arranged also inside of the new illumination “Terrace of the light”.

Photo shooting spots from the previous seasons cannot also be missed.

It is attractive as a taste of each spot is different, such as a photo shooting spot as if you are sitting on the moon of “Meadow of the light”, and a photo shooting spot of cute wreaths at the entrance of “Flower Lagoon”.

On this occasion, let’s enjoy also going around “Photo Shooting Spots of Light”.

“Doggies in Laguna of winter” that you can enter together with doggies and kitties is held until December 20th!

At the entrance of a dog run, there also is arranged “a good spot of light for photo shooting” dedicated to doggies.

In “LAGUNA TEN BOSCH”, there are other than Lagunasia, a natural hot spring, a shopping mall, and a thalassotherapy center, etc., so you can have various ways to enjoy.

As a free shuttle bus service operates from JR Gamagori station, it is easy to access!

As “The most lighted in history: Laguna in winter” is an event at night, it is also good to stay at a hotel located inside LAGUNA TEN BOSCH.

“Henn na Hotel” located inside Lagunasia is famous as a hotel where robots work.

If you are a couple, “a pair ticket”, which is sold limited on WEB, is good value!

It can be used also between friends of the same gender.

Please check for details on the official website.

Basic information of “Lagunasia” LAGUNA TEN BOSCH

Address: Kaiyocho 2-3, Gamagori-City, Aichi-Prefecture

Telephone number: 0570-097117

Holiday: Closes irregularly

Opening hours: Changes according to a month and a day of a week.  It is posted on the official website.

Hours of lighting up the illumination:  After the sunset

Admissions (Viewing inside the park):  Adults (Junior high school students and above) Yen 2,250, Elementary school students Yen 1,300, Toddlers (Three years old and above) Yen 800.

* Tickets of good values are also sold.  Please check the details on the official website.

Parking: About 1,000 cars (a regular passenger car), Yen 800 for a day

Access:

About 15-minute ride by free shuttle bus service from JR Gamagori station.

About 10-minute ride by a routed bus from JR Mikawa Otsuka station

About 30-minute drive from Otowa Gamagori IC of Tomei via the National Road No. 1.

About 35-minute drive from Toyokawa IC of Tomei via the National road No. 151.

Please check the latest information on the official website.

The end point of “Hozugawa Kudari(Hozugawa River Boat Ride)” is that scenic spot, and you can enjoy about two hours boat ride.

If you ride on a boat from Kameoka, where is about 16 km upstream from Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous sightseeing place, there expands gorge and dynamic landscape, which you cannot imagine from calm and elegant atmosphere of Arashiyama.

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The River Boat Ride Conveys a History of About 400 Years

When you speaking of Kameoka, a region of Tanba, located in north west of the Capital of Kyoto, you know that it is known as a castle town among mountains, where Mitsuhide Akechi was a lord.

The boat boarding place of Hozugawa Kudari is located where about 8 minutes walk from JR Kameoka station that is the gateway of the town.

The photo on left is a boat boarding place is located on a riverbank of Hozugawa.

The history of Hozugawa Kudari is old.

Ryoui Suminokura, a wealthy merchant of Kyoto, opened it as an industry canal in Keicho 11 (1606), early Edo Period, for the purpose of sending products, including timbers, firewood and charcoals, of Tanba region to the Capital.

After replaced to a land transportation by appearance of railways and cars, it composes a history as a sightseeing boat that you can enjoy the beauty of gorge of four seasons.

The photo on left is Hozugawa River where they transported timbers by making rafts in the Taisho Period.

The boat of Hozugawa Kudari is a small boat of flat-bottomed with 16 passengers as maximum.

There, three boatmen as one group get in, and the boat goes down the flow where rapids and large rocks scatter.

It is one of the must-see points that the posture of operating skillfully the boat with a long bamboo pole.

Hiroshi Kawarabayashi is the one of those who resigned a company employee and entered to this world, having thought that “wish to do a work that has a history and only in the local region”.

Although he is a veteran boatman experienced for more than 20 years, still it is said that he is yet a middle level.

“You need to experience, of which not only operating the boat, but accumulating knowledge and experience including of shape of the river, change of seasons, for at least 10 years to become qualified.”

Repairing and preserving nature of the river and the riverbank is also an important work of a boatman.

It is said that recently they are studying together the guidance in including English and Chinese for the purpose of guiding tourists from overseas.

During a season of cherry blossoms and an autumn leaves season, there may be sailing some 100 boats a day, so physical strength is also required.

But, he told that “works of a boatman also is that to make everybody, who rode on the boat together, excited and enjoy the history of 400 years, the nature of full of must-see spots, and the sense of unity.”

During winter season starting from mid December until March 9th, the boat becomes an ozashiki (like a parlor with tatami mats) heated boat.

The snowscape is also distinctive beauty.

Now, Let’s Leave for Toward Arashiyama

hozugawakudari.jp

The regular boat is on sail from 9 in the morning, and fares are adult 4,100 Yen and child (ages 4 to 12) 2,700 Yen (tax inclusive).

Even in the morning, there are usually full of tourists waiting for a ride.

Riding on a boat from the under the Shin Hozu Ohashi Bridge, and let’s go on a sail!

Inside the boat, there are lined six rows of seats in a bench type, and one row is for three to four persons to be seated.

The writer was on the boat with other15 passengers.

On left and right side, there prepared sheets for water guard.

That means you will be wet pretty much, doesn’t it?…

A bit pounding.

The river width is still wide and the flow is calm.

The boatman on left is “a poling”, and the right is “a paddling”.

Each of three boatmen has its role, and the one on the boat head operates a long pole, or “a poling”.

He poles on river bottoms and rocks so that he can move the boat forward and control the direction.

The one who rows a wooden paddle is of a role of engine of the boat.

And, on the rear, there is “steering” that decides direction of the boat, and it is said that it is the most important to get in sync of these three boatmen.

The boatmen introduce humorously how to operate the boat, the history of Hozugawa Kudari, and where to see around, etc, and the inside of boat becomes very friendly atmosphere before you noticing.

There runs the Sagano Romantic Train along Hozugawa River, connecting Kameoka and Arashiyama, and there may run sometimes in parallel with a boat.

When you look up from the surface of water, there are many people waving hands toward to our boat.

Everybody on the boat also are so excited that they wave hands back not to be outdone.

Thrills of Rapid Current and Splashes during Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Although calm flow continued for a while since boarding, it finally goes into the rapid current area after about 20 minutes since the start.

Here is called as “Koayu no Taki (Sweetfish Falls)”, and it is the only place in Hozugawa River where is named with falls.

The height of the waterfall is 2 meters, and it is said that it was named so because a small sweetfish cannot swim up to the waterfall.

Among boatmen, it is said that it was also told that the pronunciation of “Scary falls” has been changed. (It is because the Japanese pronunciations of “Sweetfish Falls” as “Koayu Taki” and “Scary falls” as “Kowai Taki” are somehow resemble.)

If without skillful pole operation and sync of three boatmen, it cannot pass through narrow spaces among rocks.

Faces of the boatmen who were talking some jokes until a few minutes ago become serious, and you will be charmed by such differences and coolness.

During the river boat ride, it will pass under five bridges of JR Sanin Main Line, and one bridge of the Sagano Romantic Train.

As the railway of JR runs almost straight, so it means that the river flows repeatedly meandering twisted.

After you saw Atagoyama Mountain, known as the god of fire prevention, on your left, and it appears in your front at the next time you see, you become losing your sense of direction…

As the boatmen push the pole at the same place, there remain marks of the pole even on solid rocks.

It is a prove that boatmen have carried cargo and people since the past of Edo Period.

When Ryoui Suminokura opened Hozugawa River as a canal, around the middle of the course, where “Magoroku Iwa Rock” that is covered with moss exists, were considered as the difficult place to pass until the end.

That was the time when there was no large drilling machine, and it is said that because Magoroku, a rock master, could break this huge rock, it was named after him.

The tragedy is also told that in the rapid current although he could put the last hit into the rock, Magoroku lost his life, and he sacrificed his life for the canal.

Even after passing the rock, if you see well, you can find that some rocks among them are shaved artificially.

And, when you see appearance that mosses and woods grow there, you may remind back to the hardship of predecessors.

Sometimes, the boat passes so close as if it may rub rocks.

End of the Hozugawa River Course

We came to the last rapid current, called “Ose rapid”.

Here, although the width of river is wide, rock places that splash water continue long.

During the course, every time the boat goes in a rapid current, the boatmen shouted that “Be prepared with the sheet!”, so you just got a bit of water splashes.

But, it is of course possible that you deliberately select to become soaking wet.

After passing through Ose Rapid, and when the flow becomes calm, you will find a boat with paper lanterns beyond your sight.

Somehow good smell is drifting.

It is a shop boat, a specialty of Hozugawa River.

After the boat comes and stops beside the shop boat, you can buy and taste freshly cooked oden (fishcake and vegetable stew) and mitarashi dango (skewered rice dumplings in a sweet soy glaze) on the boat.

For those sitting far from the shop boat, the other passengers help each other, passing money and dishes back and forth.

During the two hours boat ride, there happened sense of unity by shouting and laughing each other repeatedly.

It is funny that there is atmosphere inside the boat that indescribable friendly.

Oden, including en egg, konnyaku (yam cake), and radish, is 500 Yen.

Mitarashi Dango is 300 Yen for three skewers per one dish. (Both are tax inclusive)

After Getting Off the Boat

Saying good-by to the shop boat, and you will see Togetsukyo Bridge far forward of the boatman.

When flowing down until here, the river becomes crowded with houseboats that going around Arashiyama and shuttle boats that send guests of the inn.

Waving to the boatmen who are leaving from the landing place, and looking to the down stream, you will find the town of Arashiyama just in your front where is crowded with tourists.

Even when you finish the boat trip, it is still before lunch, you can still enjoy strolling around here and there for half a day!

This boat trip is close to the great nature, and is a full of thrills more than you imagine.

There are full of superb views and strange views that make you wish to shoot photos unconsciously, and these are absolutely worth to shoot.

Getting into the same rhythm as the boatmen, everyone is very excited, and you can also make a trip memory that makes your heart somewhere warmful.

Access and How to go Boarding Location

If you go boarding location for Hozugawa river cruise, you need to go Kameoka region and there are 3 ways.

You can come from JR Kyoto Station, Saga Trolley train and Umeda Hankyou Line.

I recommend you to come from Kyoto station(the green route) because it is easier than 2 ways.

Here is how to go boarding location from JR Kameoka Station.

How To Make a Reservation

Here is some points when make a reservation for Hozugawa Cruise by yourself.

It’s a bit troublesome to make a reservation by going to boarding location, so using travel agencies is also recommended.

Most of people would imagine deers or buddha even they are Japanese.

In fact, I also imagine so until February in 2019.

When I was on the way to return to Kyoto from Nara by Kintetsu Line, fire works and the mountain which was burning come into my sight.

That made me surprised because in Japan, fire works festivals are generally held in summer night and literary the mountain was burning.

Hotels and Restaulants to See Fireworks in Nara

Mt.Wakakusa is near Todai-ji Temple and Nara Station of Kintetsu line.

Basically, you can see from everywhere around Nara Station.

Good place is for example, Nara Park where it takes 20 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station and 10 minutes by bus.

Since food stalls are in the park, you can enjoy both view and foods.

 

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#throwbackthursday #2014 wonder how Nara’s #wakakusa is doing this year. #nara#deer#onlyinjapan#deliciousfood#streetfood#hungrydeer#senbei#mountainburning#festival#missjapan#travelbug

Vanessa Chanさん(@vannybobby)がシェアした投稿 – 2015年 1月月15日午後2時38分PST

To see from restaurant, La Terrasse or L’Orchestrata can be recommended.

Reservation is available in L’Orchestrata.

For hotel,HOTEL NIKKO NARA or HOTEL New Wakakusa are at good location.

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Time Schedule

It’s held on the fourth Saturday of January every year.

Note that it won’t be held if the weather is bad such as rainy weather or snowfall on the day.

In such case, the schedule may be postponed or canceled to the next day.

Fire works ans mountain burning begins as follows.

18:15：Fireworks will be launched.

18:30：The mountain is ignited and the mountain burning starts.

Why Do They Burn Mt.Wakakusa

image by blogs.yahoo.co.jp/k_shumatsu note:Fireworks and mountains are composite photo

It is said that Mt.Wakakusa burning began from Edo era(around 1700).

There are some theories why they burn Mt.Wakakusa.

To Calm the Soul of Tomb

One is that to calm the soul of the Uguisuzuka Tomb on the summit of Mt.Wakakusa.

Japan used to have a habit to bury the king or person who had power on the summit in the region.

People had been burning Mt.Wakakusa in every year as a ceremony.

So it can be thought that burning Mt.Wakakusa used to be like a memorial ceremony of Hiroshima which is held every year to commemorate.

For Amulet

It was believed that cow-demon would come if Mt.Wakakusa wasn’t burned.

This legend was found in the ”Nanto annual event” written by a Murai Furumichi a doctor in 1740.

Since people near the Mt.Wakakusa were afraid of attacking by cow-demon, it they began to burn the mountain.

But, it’s not sure why burning the mountain prevents attack by cow-demon.

Meaning of Lunching Fire Works

image by this.kiji.is

Fire works was originally lunched for a signal to ignite mountain.

So, the number of fire works was not so a lot before.

But, now its meaning is currently including tourism festival and the number of fire work lunched is more than 600.

Note that since fire works are lunched first, you can’t take photo of mountain burning and fire works at the same time.

Now It’s Festival for Tourism

In 1900, Mt.Wakakusa Burn of the purpose began to change.

It is said that Mt.Wakakusa was burned in daytime, but now mountain is burned at night.

So, Mt.Wakakusa Burn turned  into festival for sightseeing purpose.

In a sense, it’s interesting that although  the event and what people do hasn’t been changed, the purpose is different.

Searching what the festival means is hard to make sense now, but is interesting.

In this article, let me show red sights which is related to the sun.

https://jatrabridge.com/2019/04/18/210

Daruma(Omega) Sunset / Kochi Prefecture

image by jaf.or.jp

What is Daruma Sunset

Do you know “Daruma Sunset” floating in Bay?

Sukumo Bay, Kochi Prefecture is famous for it.

The name comes from the silhouette of sunset which slowly sink into the sea surface.

image by getnews.jp

Since it’s silhouette looks like Daruma, we call it Daruma Sunset.

Daruma Sunset is also called Omega Sunset from it’s silhouette.

Best Time To See

Best time to see is Mid November-Mid February.

Although Sukumo Bay is located in the southern Kochi Prefecture, you can see interesting sights.

Why the Sunset Look Like Omega

It’s mirage caused by the difference between the temperature and sea temperature.

Even in the Autumn to Winter, warm tide come into the Sukumo Bay.

Thus, the sea water evaporate.

When the sun light passing through the water vapor layer, another sun is projected on the sea surface.

It looks like a daruma by the two suns touching.

This is how the sum look like Daruma.

Condition to See

When the temperature of the air changes rapidly.

But the temperature of the water changes slowly.

So, winter is better season because temperature is cooled rapidly.

It seems the good day to see Daruma Sunset is following situation.

It is said that we can see about 20 times a year.

So if you could see Daruma Sunset, it’s valuable experience.

Diamond Fuji / Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, etc.

What is Diamond Fuji

Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon when top of Mt.Fuji and sun overlap.

We have chance to see it twice in a day : morning glow and sunset.

Since the sun looks like a diamond when it overlaps, the phenomenon is called so.

We have a lot of places to see Mt.Fuji in Japan, but place for Diamond Fuji is limited.

Best Time To See

Mid October to end of February is the good season to see.

And April 20 and August 20 before and after one week are better.

Lake Yamanaka of Fuji-Five-Lakes in Yamanashi Prefecture is the best place for Diamond Fuji.

Lake Tanuki on the Shizuoka Prefecture is also famous as a sacred place where you can observe Diamond Fuji.

If the air is clear you can see even in Tokyo like this.

image by:Sakarin Sawasdinaka/Shutterstock.com

Condition to See

Since the place where the sun rise and sink depend on season, you have 2 seasons to see.

However, there are not so difficult except it.

For detail information for places to see, please check for more information.

Hope to see awesome sun of Japan.