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| Onidaiko(Sadoga Island (all areas), Niigata Prefecture) Onidaiko is a unique performance art found only on Sado Island. Performers wear demon masks and dance energetically to the beat of Japanese drums in an effort to drive away evil spirits and pray for a good harvest. |
Hina Dolls Tour(Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture) A popular springtime event in the castle town of Murakami in which tourists can visit traditional houses to see their sets of hina dolls. The city also has hot spring resorts and other tourist spots. |
Northern Culture Museum(Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) The historical residence of the Ito family, formerly a wealthy farming and land owning family, is open to the public as a museum. There are several former Ito family residences throughout Japan. The museum's collection includes various historical documents and art pieces. |
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| Tulip Fields(Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) The plains surrounding Niigata City are covered with tulips at the end of April at which time the tulip festival is also held. |
Takada Park(Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture) With around 3,400 cherry trees that bloom in early April, Takada Park is one of the three most famous spot for nighttime cherry blossom viewing in Japan. One of the remaining buildings of Takada Castle, the Mie Turret, is open for display. |
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| Gunma Safari Park(Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture) Experience a safari and see wildlife up close. Visitors may tour the park in a bus or their own cars. There are many events held between spring and autumn. |
Okawa Museum of Art(Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture) Located in the center of Kiryu City, the Okawa Museum of Art gives visitors an opportunity to view transitions that have taken place in modern Japanese painting. There is also a beautiful spot to view cherry blossoms nearby. |
Gunma Flower Park(Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture) This flower park, with a total area of 18.4 ha, is located at the foot of Mt. Akagi. Visitors can enjoy a range of beautiful plants all year around, including many flowers and cacti. The park also features a Japanese garden. |
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| Gunma Prefectural Office (Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture) The Gunma Prefectural Office building offers a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain from the 32nd floor, 127 m above the ground. The building is open to the public and used for various activities and events. Maebashi Park, a well-known spot for cherry blossoms, is located nearby. |
Cherry Blossoms at Mt. Myogi(Shimonita Town, Gunma Prefecture) Around 15,000 cherry trees, consisting of 50 varieties, bloom from the end of April through to the beginning of May. The nearby Kozu Ranch is also a popular tourist destination with many things to see and do. |
Togakushi Highland(Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture) Togakushi Highland is located at the foot of the Togokushi Mountains, and attracts visitors with its many historical sites and year round scenic beauty. Flowers such as mizubasho and kobushi can be seen in early May. |
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Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture) Built around 1,400 years ago, Zenkoji is one of the most famous temples in Japan. Many people, both young and old, from all around Japan visit the temple every year, regardless of their particular religion or sect. The photograph shows an event that takes place every seven years at the temple in which the principal Buddhist image enshrined at the temple is openly exhibited. |
| Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture) Matsumoto Castle was built around 400 years ago and is a valuable national treasure. Of the remaining castle towers, the five-level, six-storey donjon is one of the oldest in Japan. The castle commands a panoramic view of the Northern Japan Alps and the Utsukushigahara Highland. |
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