2024 August Vol.1

1. The Sado Island Gold Mines Have Been Designated as a UNESCO World CulturalHeritage Site

On July 27, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee designated the Sado Island Gold Mines as a World
Cultural Heritage Site, bringing the total number of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites in Japan to26. The Sado Island Gold Mines are a collection of gold and silver mines, including Nishimikawa Placer
Gold Mine and Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine, located on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. While othercountries were incorporating more and more machines into their mining processes, the Sado Island Gold
Mines continued to protect and utilize its advanced handiwork, and during the 17th century the island
was one of the world's leading gold producers. The interiors of the mines appear as though they areunchanged from when the mines were still in use, and visitors can marvel at dolls and other exhibits that
illustrate what the mines' working conditions were like. In addition to the mines, you can experience theunique Tarai-Bune boat ride, walk around the Shukunegi Village, see and learn about the endangered
crested ibis (Toki), and more. There are many things to do and places to explore on Sado Island, so takeyour time to truly enjoy all that Sado Island has to offer.
Sado Island Gold Mines2. Appreciate Art and Nature at the Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama, September
28 – November 24, Okayama©Courtesy of Rirkrit Tiravanija

The Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama: Clear-skies Country is an international art festival thatwill be held in 12 municipalities across northern Okayama Prefecture. As its name suggests, thefestival highlights the bountiful forests of Okayama as well as other abundant natural resources,
allowing visitors to enjoy an extraordinary experience while exploring the serene prefecture.
The region is home to scenic natural views, traditional architecture and customs, and charming
historic townscapes that invoke feelings of nostalgia. The festival will feature pieces by artists
from across the world as well as events that intertwine with the environment, promoting
engagement with the local community, raising questions about sustainability, and provoking
thoughts and discussions regarding "what kind of capital do we truly need?”
Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama: Clear-skies Country

3. Revel in the Energetic World of Hatsune Miku at Magical Mirai, August 30 –September 1 (Tokyo), October 12 – 14 (Osaka)©CFM/©TOKYO MX/©SEGAHatsune Miku is a singing voice synthesizer software that lets users create their own songs ona computer. The adorable blue-green haired virtual singer born from this software, Hatsune
Miku, has become an iconic pop culture symbol in Japan and has gained many fans worldwide.

"Magical Mirai" is an event with a live 3DCG concert and exhibitions featuring Hatsune Miku andher fellow singing synthesizer software. Event visitors can learn about and relish the fun ofcreation through special exhibits and support creators, see artwork and collaborations, andmeet other fans who share the same interests. The 2024 "Magical Mirai" event started inFukuoka (Fukuoka Sun Palace Hall / Fukuoka International Congress Center), and it will also beheld in Tokyo (Makuhari Messe) and Osaka (INTEX Osaka Hall), allowing fans from across thecountry to enjoy the world of Hatsune Miku along with other fans.
Magical Mirai 2024

4. World-Class Dance Music at ULTRA JAPAN, September 14 – 15, TokyoULTRA JAPAN is one of the largest urban dance music festivals in Japan, boasting a lineup ofleading DJs from both Japan and abroad that attract dance music lovers from around the world.
The impressive stage hosts spellbinding performances and releases clean, resounding beats, andthe accompanying light effects will surely make you want to dance along to the music. Being
surrounded by people engrossed by the music helps you lose yourself in the moment! This year,
it will be held at Odaiba Ultra Park from September 14 to 15 (ages 18 and up only, prior ticket
purchase required).
ULTRA JAPAN5. Get a Unique Insider's View of the Turrets of Osaka Castle, July - November, Osaka©︎osaka castle park management

The majestic Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka and one of the most famous castles in Japan, andits "Yagura" (turrets) have been nationally designated as an Important Cultural Property. The
Tamon-Yagura and Sengan-Yagura turrets will be open to the public for a limited time during
weekends and holidays from September 14 to November 24, allowing a special look inside thestriking towers that were imperative for the castle's defense. You can feel the history emanatingfrom the walls as you walk through the structures' solemn hallways, and the imposing wooden
beams and columns draw attention to the formidable architecture that was utilized to build
these grand structures.
Yagura Special Opening 2024

6. Enjoy The Rich Nature, History, and Culture Exclusively in Aizu, Fukushima©ADD AizuExtremeTours

The Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture is a treasure trove of nature, history, and culture.
During the autumn, the area’s trees become vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow with thecolorful changing foliage, beautifully framing the numerous long-standing traditional buildingsthat illustrate the prefecture's deep Samurai history. With so many places to explore and things
to do in Aizu, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy, such as a tea ceremony atOyakuen (a historical garden), forest bathing at Nakatsugawa Keikoku Valley, seasonal fruit
picking, local cooking classes, and more. The link below leads to a selection of activities thatshowcases the wonders of Aizu in the fall, including visiting historical sites, traversing diverse
terrain, savoring local cuisine, and soaking in rejuvenating hot springs. You can reach Aizu from
Tokyo in approximately 3 hours. Aizu’s unique experiences will make you feel as though you
have traveled back in time and have a lot to explore.
Aizu Extreme Tours

7. View Intricate Traditional Wooden Carvings in Inami, Toyama

The Inami area in Toyama Prefecture is known for its stunning wood carving crafts, which havegotten it designated as a Japan Heritage Site. The craft dates back centuries, with roots in thereconstruction of Zuisenji Temple in the 18th century. Even now, the detailed carvings can beseen throughout the townscape, decorating temples, shrines, traditional residences, and more,and the area maintains a traditional Japanese air. As you walk through the streets, you may hear
the rhythmical sounds of the artisans whittling away and smell the fragrances of camphor,
Japanese zelkova, and Hinoki cypress trees floating through the air. The area takes great pridein its traditional craft, and artisans can still be seen creating new wood carvings and hosting
workshops. Many breathtaking wood carving pieces can be seen on display in one place at theInami Sculpture General Hall, where their sophisticated and complex details can be observed
more closely.
INAMI JAPAN HERITAGE

8. Take in the Picturesque Countryside Scenery of Kyushu on the Kanpachi/Ichiroku
Sightseeing Train©︎ KYUSHU RAILWAY COMPANY

In contrast to the vibrant city life of Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu is also home to blissful
natural sceneries. These countryside views can be enjoyed while riding the Kanpachi/Ichiroku
sightseeing train, which runs between the lively Hakata and the famous hot spring towns ofYufuin and Beppu in Oita prefectures, with one approximately 5-hour-long one-way train
departing once a day (excluding Thursdays). The train has a dignified exterior and holds anelegant interior with plush seats and even a lounge and private room. The warm wooden accentsthroughout the train add a refined touch, and the large windows that offer prime views of thelush Kyushu countryside. Luxurious Bento boxed lunches made with ingredients from Fukuoka
and Oita prefectures can be enjoyed onboard while gazing upon the scenery rushing by.
The sightseeing train Kanpachi・Ichiroku

9. Relish a Luxurious Camping Experience Along the Northern Coast, Aomori©︎ VISIT HACHINOHE

Located in Japan's northern Tohoku region, the Sanriku Fukko National Park is a prime place toenjoy glamping, with a campsite located along the Michinoku Coastal Trail running through thepark. The Tanesashi Camp Grounds are set upon lush green lawns that overlook the Pacific
Ocean, offering awe-inspiring views. Here, visitors can enjoy either a luxurious daytrip orovernight camping experience, spending time in the comfortable tents or appreciating thenature while walking along the trail. As there are camping programs available that include tents
and other tools, you can come empty-handed and also walk the trail with a knowledgeable guide
who will provide invaluable insight into the area. The experience's highlight is arguably themouthwatering dinner made with first-rate locally produced ingredients. Savoring the premium
dishes among the beautiful Tohoku nature makes the food taste even better.
Retreat Camping

10. Get Up Close and Personal with Happy Retired Horses, Kagoshima©HorseTrust

Horse Trust is an organization that looks after retired racehorses and broodmares, and its Wellbeing Experience lets you spend time with the horses happily spending their days in a stressfree environment. You can find the horses grazing throughout the day in a pasture similar totheir natural habitat, letting them enjoy a blissful retirement. There are several plans available
with this experience, which allow you to observe and interact with the friendly horses, and you
can even enter the farm grounds that are usually closed to the public. Located in the idylliccountryside of Kagoshima Prefecture, you can also bask in the scenic nature that includes grassy
meadows and distant mountains, creating a picture-perfect day among majestic horses.
Horse Trust Well-being Experience

The Stunning Ocean-Themed Spanish Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan©︎ Provided by Acción Cultural Española
As of March 14, 2024, 161 countries and regions and 9 international organizations haveconfirmed their participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The organizers are currently
making their best efforts to prepare for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan while cooperatingwith participating countries, regions, and international organizations and working closely withthe Government of Japan.
Regarding the pavilions of participating organizations, this time, we would like to introduce you
to the Spanish Pavilion. The theme of the Spanish Pavilion is based on the Kuroshio Current,
which Spain used on its routes to Asia and other regions during the Age of Discovery more than
400 years ago.
The front of the pavilion has a staircase representing the sea, and the entrance is an orange
circle, representing the “sea and sun” that characterize Spain.
There are many unique and fascinating pavilions in the EXPO site, so why not purchase a superearly bird ticket and make a reservation for the EXPO right away!
Official Participants' Pavilion | Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website

Notes:
・ The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.
・Item 9 is based on information from JNTO Partners.

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