月曜日 09:00 - 16:30 火曜日 09:00 - 16:30 水曜日 09:00 - 16:30 木曜日 09:00 - 16:30 金曜日 09:00 - 16:30

Akiota CIR

Come experience the amazing things Akiota town has to offer for every season!

26/08/2024

Nearly 4,000 visitors turned out for Akiota’s Fureai Togochi Festival!
The event was full of different stage events, including Kagura, comedy, and music performed by two singers from Ukraine.
This year, the festival featured two Ukrainian singers who performed songs in Ukrainian, English, and Japanese. The two are mother and daughter, as they escaped from Ukraine to escape the Russian invasion and currently reside in Hiroshima.
Watching this year’s performances made me enjoy diversity in the styles of music. While watching Kagura, the taiko drums, distinct to traditional Japanese music, enlivened dramatic moments. The blend of traditional folk and contemporary musical styles in Ukrainian songs shared unfamiliar sounds, giving the audience an unexpected kind of entertainment they got excited about.

#安芸太田町 #ふれあい戸河内まつり #夏まつり #夏 #神楽 #ウクライナ #音楽

02/07/2024

Nukui Dam has a tour tunnel with an elevator that visitors can enter for free. It is cool inside, making it seem like a natural cooler as we enter summer.
The signage is only in Japanese, but there is an area where you can clap your hands and hear the sound echo. I was surprised by how quickly the sound carried right after clapping.
Inside the tunnel is a segment where you can touch one of the boulders used to support the dam. I heard it is rare for dams in Japan to provide opportunities like this for feeling a boulder’s surface.
You can also stay at nearby accommodations and try water activities, like standup paddleboarding (SUP) or cycling around the area. Those who wish to participate can make an online reservation for a SUP tour and experience it at Ryuki Lake.
We recommend them for fully experiencing Nukui Dam and Akiota’s incredible nature.

#安芸太田町 #温井ダム #見学トンネル #岩 #響き #龍姫湖 #サイクリング

26/04/2024

Akiota holds a controlled brushfire at Mt. Shinnyu to protect the environment from insects carrying disease.
As town workers started to ignite flames at the foot of the mountain, I rushed closer to see them up close like many other spectators. When observing close enough to where I could feel the fire’s heat, I heard crackling sounds from the burning plants and grew surprised by how intense the flames got after ignition.

#安芸太田町 #深入山 #山焼き #明治以前からの伝統行事

10/04/2024

Whenever I drive or ride a bus, I can see cherry blossoms everywhere.
Spring landscapes that make me feel I am seeing their original state are visible throughout Akiota.
I can only appreciate the atmosphere created by light pink cherry blossoms and the mountains’ green trees for a short period, so I feel this scenery is gorgeous and worth viewing.

#安芸太田町 #桜 #日本の原風景 #里山の春 #今だけ

04/04/2024

A large cherry blossom tree is planted next to the former JR Togochi Station sign in front of Akiota Town Hall.
The tree reached peak bloom right away because of last weekend’s warm temperature. During the day, I find people sitting on the bench or on a spread as they enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms.
When they are lit up, the cherry blossoms stood out against the night sky, and I could enjoy them as I forgot about time.

#安芸太田町 #役場 #お花見 #桜 #夜桜 #エドヒガンザクラ

04/04/2024

Yasuno Hana-no-Eki Park is perfect for viewing blossoms, as there are wooden tables and chairs set up for doing so.
Although it is a weekday, many photography enthusiasts and families came out and enjoyed viewing the blossoms here.

#安芸太田町 #安野花の駅公園 #桜 #梅 #レンギョウ #花見 #写真 #いい天気

02/04/2024

While sitting under the cherry blossoms at Kamitono Sakura Park, I watched the Ota River flow and felt time slowly pass as I relaxed here.
Near Kamitono Sakura Park, visitors can also climb down the steps and walk next to the river.
By viewing the river from this park, I could treasure the rare and beautiful scenery, including the Ota River, mountains, and cherry blossoms here in Akiota.

#安芸太田町 #上殿さくら公園 #太田川 #川 #気持ちいい

18/03/2024

3/31(日)はキリスト教ではイースターと呼ばれる日です。このイースターにちなんだ「イースターエッグづくり体験」のイベントを3/28(木)に開催します。手ぶらで参加できますので、お気軽にお越しください！

【開催日】3月28日（木）10:00〜11:00
【場所】地域支援センター（戸河内診療所横）1階交流フロア
【参加費】無料

私と一緒にかわいいイーターエッグを作りましょう！

#安芸太田町 #イースター #イースターエッグ #クラフト #エッグ #体験 #予約不要

04/03/2024

I participated in a Sandankyo monitor tour aimed at inbound tourists and different experiences related to Japanese culture and wellness, like making matcha green tea, creating an ink painting, and doing yoga at a temple.
Among them, one activity that left an impression on me was wearing a kimono and walking while wearing one in Sandankyo. I have participated in this town’s kimono classes and enjoy wearing them. I learned various women long ago visited Sandankyo while walking in kimono and zori, so I also wore a kimono in Sandankyo and took a short stroll. It was downhill from Sandankyo’s main entrance to Nagabuchi bridge, so walking in zori (traditional footwear worn with a kimono) was difficult. Today, we are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes when strolling through Sandankyo, so I imagined it was tough for those from long ago walking in kimono and zori downhill. When visiting Sandankyo, please bring comfortable walking shoes for spending time here!

#安芸太田町 #三段峡 #日本文化 #ウェルネス #着物 #草履 #茶道 #水墨画 #ヨガ

10/01/2024

In Japan, there is a custom for people to decorate their homes and offices with New Year decorations, like kadomatsu, kagamimochi, shimenawa, or shimekazari.
I saw the Road Station in Akiota had kadomatsu.
The kadomatsu is a symbol for preventing evil spirits from disturbing homes and for the Shinto god Toshigami’s visit.
In America, we don’t put decorations outside or inside our homes for New Year’s. Because of that, I could feel the start of the new year after seeing the Kadomatsu decorations in Japan.

#安芸太田町 #道の駅 #門松 #日本の風習

04/01/2024

We wish you a Happy New Year from here in Akiota!
What are your goals for this year?
I want to go and see more of the scenic spots this year in Akiota, like walking on top along Nukui Dam or climbing to the top of Mt. Osorakan.
We hope you have a happy and healthy year.

#明けましておめでとう #目標 #安芸太田町

26/12/2023

In Akiota, you can find produce stands in neighborhoods selling fresh vegetables. These produce stands are a common feature in the Japanese countryside.
When I first saw this produce stand near my home, I was surprised that no one stood nearby to watch over the fruits and vegetables lined on the shelves. Whenever I looked, those who stopped by would take the vegetables and fruits they wanted and drop some coins into a small box.
This type of system exists as an “honesty box” in other parts of the world. Although I have seen one in the United States, they are relatively rare. This is one example of honesty among Japanese society as farmers can sell their produce without worrying about theft.

#安芸太田町 #季節の野菜 #新鮮 #直売所 #田舎 #無人販売所

15/11/2023

Last weekend, I visited Yoshimizuen in Kake.
This garden is only open to the public for four days in the early summer and fall. Autumn is well-known for fall maple leaves dating back to the Edo period. The garden is open for four days this fall: 11/11, 11/12, 11/18, 11/19.
The leaves started changing colors when I visited last weekend, but they will continue to transition and turn red. Because of that, they will probably be at their peak this weekend.
Please check out the beautiful fall scenery this garden has to offer!

#安芸太田町 #加計 #吉水園 #秋 #紅葉 #もみじ #秋の景色 #自然 #庭園

09/11/2023

Last weekend, I heard the fall leaves were almost at their peak, so I visited Sandankyo.
This time, this was my first excursion to Sandandaki, the highlight of Sandankyo. The magnificent view with the roaring waterfall between rocks against the trees turning yellow was beautiful.
While heading toward Sandandaki, there were spots along the way like Yoshigahara with gorgeous fall leaves.
Sandankyo’s upstream area is at its peak with the fall leaves.
The path has some slightly steep areas, so please come in shoes that are easy to walk in!

#安芸太田町 #三段峡 #葭ヶ原 #三段滝 #滝 #大自然 #秋 #紅葉　 #見頃

08/11/2023

Tsutsuga’s Giant Ginkgo is currently at its peak, so now is the best time to see its autumn leaves!
People love this giant ginkgo because of its yellow appearance and the fallen leaves resembling a golden carpet.
The number of fallen leaves have increased, so you can currently enjoy the autumn leaves and fallen leaves.
Today is a weekday, but many people still came and took photos.
The Tsutsuga Giant Ginkgo Marché held every weekend since October will take place until the end of this weekend. Also, the Tsutsuga Furusato Matsuri will be held at the nearby elementary school this Sunday, November 12th.

＃Peak＃TsutsugaGiantGinkgoMarché #安芸太田町 #筒賀 #大銀杏　 #秋 #黄金色の絨毯　 #見頃 #つつが大銀杏マルシェ #つつがふるさとまつり

29/10/2023

At Sandankyo’s Main Entrance, English signage is now available for visitors to check before hiking. It is located in a covered space near the bus stop next to the large brown Sandankyo sign.
The signage details scenic spots you can see when entering Sandankyo from there, so please check it out.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tBfJXuLi8AdP3xXR7
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
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#安芸太田町 #三段峡 #三段峡正面口 #英語案内 #英語サイネージ #紅葉 #自然 #渓谷 #ウォーキング

27/10/2023

The other day, I had an opportunity to interpret for tourists from Lithuania who wanted to experience Forest Therapy at Mt. Shinnyu. While doing so, I also got to participate in the experience, and I was glad to be able to learn about different ways we can heal our mind and body while surrounded by nature.
By leisurely strolling through the woods, Forest Therapy has scientifically proven forest bathing effects that heal one’s mind and body.
Japanese forest bathing is popular in Lithuania, so the two tourists wanted to experience it during their trip to Japan.
They closed their eyes and relaxed as they listened to the sound of the flowing river. They also listened intently to the guide’s explanations about Mt. Shinnyu’s different plants before leaving satisfied.
I could experience the autumn atmosphere at Mt. Shinnyu as I saw leaves turning yellow and Japanese silver grass sprawl along the mountainside. I look forward to seeing the leaves change colors at other scenic spots in Akiota this season.

#安芸太田町 #深入山 #森林セラピー #自然 #登山 #五感 #ススキ

19/10/2023

At Mt. Shinnyu, a Forest Café event went on simultaneously with the Momiji Walk, where I could participate in forest therapy, making bracelets, wooden mailboxes, and more!
After I completed the Momiji Walk, I learned how to make a cute Misanga bracelet with beads made from cherry wood as a bracelet. Although it was a little harder to weave the three threads than I thought, I had a peace of mind weaving them together. I want to use this bracelet as a bag charm.

#安芸太田町 #深入山 #森カフェ #ブレスレットづくり　 #秋

17/10/2023

At Mt. Shinnyu’s Momiji Walk, I could enjoy looking at the beautiful nature while walking around the trails.
This year was my first time participating in this annual event. There were three trails, 3 km, 11 km, and 20 km-long, so I decided to participate in walking the 3 km trail.
Since I didn’t hike outdoors as much as I would have liked this summer, the Momiji Walk was an excellent chance to create the habit of hiking outdoors again to prevent a lack of exercise.
Although it is still early Fall, seeing the different shades of green together in the forest was beautiful. When I saw chestnuts and their skins scattered around the trail, I could sense various aspects of the autumn season.
I received other items like a postcard featuring our town mascot, Morimin, and a wooden pin to commemorate my participation in this event.

#安芸太田町 #もみじウォーク #秋 #深入山 #自然 #歩く

17/10/2023

Akiota is Japan’s largest producer of Gionbo persimmons!
Near my home, I saw Gionbo persimmon trees. They have gradually turned yellow and then bright orange. Their heart-like shape make Gionbo persimmons easy to identify compared to other persimmons.
Farmers usually gather Gionbo persimmons around the end of October. However, they are astringent fruits, so they are sold at vendors after their astringent juice is removed.
Last year, I ate a Gionbo persimmon for the first time, and it had a light sweetness to it that was delicious.
I’m looking forward to seeing the persimmons lined up at markets in November this year too.

#安芸太田町 #祗園坊柿 #秋 #果物 #優しい甘さ

13/10/2023

The other day, I went to watch Yabusame, a Shinto ritualistic sport at Horihachiman Shrine in Akiota.
In Yabusame, archers aim and shoot their arrows at targets while riding on a galloping horse. It looked challenging to fire arrows while riding horseback, so I was surprised by the archers’ ability to maintain their balance and shoot arrows atop a horse galloping quickly. I was even more amazed by how skillfully they could hit the targets.
Afterward, I received a piece of one of the wooden targets that got hit by the arrows as a lucky charm from an event organizer who distributed them to those who were interested. While showing my family and acquaintances in America photos of the event, I want to share the fascinating aspects of Yabusame with them.

#安芸太田町 #殿賀 #堀八幡神社 #流鏑馬 #神事 #日本伝統 #馬

12/10/2023

There was an Autumn Food Truck Marché at the Road Station.
Not only could I enjoy delicious food from the food trucks, there were also vegetables and newly-harvested rice produced in town that were sold by measure.
The market also displayed outdoor equipment like fire pits, BBQ sets, and tripods for boiling hot water. Akiota has 6 camp sites, and many people come here to enjoy camping, so it was an excellent display to PR outdoor activities like that in Akiota.

#安芸太田町 #秋のキッチンカーマルシェ #秋 #キッチンカー #マルシェ

06/10/2023

Last weekend, the Ini Rice Terrace Hands-On Experience took place. Residents from Ini and others from the city applied beforehand to cooperate in this event and maintain and protect the rice terraces through rice harvesting by hand in the fall.
Not only did families participate, but there were also foreigners!
Each year, the last part of the hands-on experience includes rice harvesting in Ini. Before then, I could see a beautiful yellow gold color sprawl before me when looking from the observation deck. At the end of the experience, I understood it was a rare opportunity to see the rice terraces return to their state before rice planting up close after the harvest.

#安芸太田町 #井仁の棚田 #稲刈り #稲刈り体験 #秋 #新米 #自然 ..

05/09/2023

The other day, I participated in a monitor tour with a Japanese cooking experience at a private house in Akiota (a trial housing facility for people moving here) to learn how to make items like sushi.
I watched the instructor cook tempura for us as she coated eggplant, lotus root, and sweet potato. Normally, people prepare tempura with ordinary flour, but the instructor coated the ingredients with rice flour instead. The rice flour made the tempura taste less oily, crispier, and delicious.
Using a bamboo rolling mat, I made sushi rolls. Although this was my first time making sushi, using the bamboo mat to roll the sushi and prevent the ingredients inside from coming out the sides was more challenging than I imagined. The instructor also lightly wet the edge of a cutting knife to cut the sushi rolls. This is a helpful skill for preventing the rice from sticking to the knife and cutting the rolls neatly. The attention to detail when cooking and presenting the food makes Japanese cuisine fascinating to me.

#安芸太田町 #料理体験 #日本料理 #寿司 #天ぷら

28/08/2023

The Fureai Togochi Matsuri had fireworks for the event’s finale!
Their launching site was near the river close to the festival venue, I said, “These are beautiful!” as the fireworks shot straight up into the sky.
The fireworks were like large flowers that bloomed in the night sky one after another as they loudly echoed while aiko and Yoasobi’s music played in the background.
The festival ended when the fireworks show did, so I wanted them to continue for longer.
I wish for many people to have fun again at next year’s Fureai Togochi Matsuri.

#安芸太田町 #ふれあい戸河内まつり #夏祭り #花火大会 #夏の思い出

25/08/2023

The Fureai Togochi Matsuri had various stage events for everyone to enjoy. The crowd grew excited when watching Kagura, and singers from Hiroshima like Hippy and Riko Marumoto appear on stage.
Although this was not on stage, I was the most surprised by the boat-shaped festival floats near the end. When event organizers created space in front of the stage, two festival floats from behind appeared. As the venue’s lighting dimmed, everyone watched the lit-up floats intently. The boat-shaped festival floats are different from ordinary ones and omikoshi, but they were unique to Akiota and reminiscent of what you can see at a typical Japanese festival.
In the beginning, one festival float appeared before everyone. I was amazed by the entertainers who wore matching happi coats and their strength as they worked together to move the float back and forth while pulling it around in a large circle. For the spectators’ safety, the festival staff roped off the area where the festival floats moved, but I think the spectators watching from the front row felt very close. The crowd grew excited simultaneously when a second boat-shaped festival float appeared near the end.

#安芸太田町 #ふれあい戸河内まつり #まつり #夏 #屋台船 #もりみん #神楽 #丸本莉子

24/08/2023

In early August, Akiota held its Fureai Togochi Matsuri.
Along the Gansu Yokocho side street, the area had food stalls and trucks, and many people lined up for food they wanted. Not only visitors but also vendor staff were ecstatic to participate in the festival for the first time in four years. Seeing how much the vendors and festivalgoers enjoyed interacting with each other was a memorable experience.
I worked as a staff member for the festival's information booth. I passed out pamphlets and uchiwa fans to families and friends, and they were delighted to receive them. I could not get to work during this kind of event last year due to COVID-19, so I was glad to participate as a staff member and see visitors enjoying the Fureai Togochi Matsuri.

#安芸太田町 #ふれあい戸河内まつり #戸河内 #夏祭り #がんす横丁 #安芸太田グルメ

08/08/2023

I saw a family kayaking in Nagabuchi, right past Sandankyo’s main entrance. People can kayak or stand-up paddle (SUP) in Nagabuchi, so many people come here to kayak or try SUP, particularly during the summer.
The water was so transparent I could see the bottom of the river from the bridge. It was a clear day, and kayaking along the water looked refreshing and pleasant.
If I took part in this kayak experience, I probably would take a little time to figure out how to move forward or turn my kayak in the water. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t have had to worry about paddling along a rapid river or between boulders.
Because of that, Nagabuchi is an ideal spot for beginners to learn how to kayak with its calm water.

#安芸太田町 #三段峡 #長淵 #カヤック体験 #ウォーターアクティビティ #夏 #川

27/07/2023

I attended the Noryo Kake Matsuri with an ALT, one of Akiota’s summer festivals. This was my first time attending a Japanese summer festival with a friend.
In May, I took a class with two ALTs to learn how to put on a yukata. There, I talked with one of the ALTs and we attended this summer festival while wearing our yukatas.
Although I didn’t know before the festival, there was a yukata show later that evening anyone wearing a yukata could participate in. I didn’t win anything, but my friend was beaming with joy after winning the“Fun”prize. I also saw some of the nursery students I teach English wear jinbei and yukatas, which was adorable.
On August 5th, I will participate in the Fureai Togochi Matsuri as a staff member. Please come and see us then!

#安芸太田町 #納涼加計まつり #ふれあい戸河内まつり #夏祭り #夏 #かき氷 #浴衣

04/07/2023

The other day, I participated in a tea ceremony at a Japanese confectionary shop in the city of Hiroshima. I only participated in a tea ceremony class at a community center until then. However, this was the first time I had this experience in a tea room with a small furnace.
First, I listened to the instructor’s story about the tea ceremony’s history. I was surprised to learn a man named Sen no Rikyu spread the idea of a tea ceremony so upper-class people and everyday commoners could enjoy tea. Sen no Rikyu supposedly did not like expensive items or flashy displays and designed his room for spending time in, regardless of one’s status. Thanks to Sen no Rikyu’s endeavors, I felt gratitude as I thought about how I could take part in this tea ceremony.
This tea ceremony was my first experience making matcha tea by myself! We learned about various items and their purposes for the tea ceremony in advance, so I tried using them myself while remembering these details. The instructor could skillfully make many bubbles in her tea, but while it was difficult for me to do the same with mine, I managed to make a few. After that, I learned how we move the bamboo whisks to make the small bubbles, so I will keep in mind how I move my wrist when stirring the tea.

#安芸太田町 #広島 #茶道 #抹茶