The roadside stations in Okitama and the region of Murakami-Iwafune in Niigata prefecture are hosting a stamp rally right now! Check out this roadside station map  (Japanese) for more information on the unique delicacies each station has to offer!   Let's explore the neighbouring regions, gather those stamps, and win some lovely prizes!   Event Period 13 August 2022 (Saturday) – 30 November 2022 (Wednesday)   Participating Stations A total of 14 roadside stations from Yamagata’s Okitama region and Niigata’s Murakami-Iwafune region are participating in the event.   Yamagata roadside stations – Yonezawa, Tazawa, Iide, Shiroimorioguni, Takahata, Shiratakayanakouen, Kawanominatonagai Niigata roadside stations – Kamihayashi, Asahi, Sekikawa, Sasagawanagare, Tainai, Kajikawa, Agano   Prizes and Requirements ・　 Murakami Prize (worth 2,000 Yen, 10 winners) 　　　　Submit 3 stamps from the roadside stations in Murakami-Iwafune to be entered in a lottery. ・　 Okitama Prize (worth 2,000 Yen, 10 winners) 　　　　Submit 3 stamps from the roadside stations in Okitama to be entered in a lottery. ・　 Okitama-Murakami Prize (worth 5,000 Yen, 3 winners) 　　　　Submit 6 stamps from both the Okitama and Murakami-Iwafune regions (3 from each region) to be entered in a lottery.   * Participants who enter the lottery for the Okitama-Murakami Prize will also be registered for both the Okitama and Murakami Prize lotteries.   COVID-19 Precautions The organizers seek your cooperation in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Depending on the COVID-19 situation at the time, it is possible for the stamp rally to be cancelled early as well.   Inquiries You may direct queries to: Okitama and Murakami-Iwafune Sightseeing Collaboration Promotion Board (Regional Promotion, Promotion Bureau for Murakami Region in Niigata Prefecture) Tel: 0254-52-7231 (Japanese)

The e-Mountain Bike Hill Climb 2022 contest held at Tengendai Kogen will begin its first round of races on 28th August, Sunday!   Compete for the shortest time up the sloping path that form Tengendai ski area’s Yunodaira Course in winter! There are also many wonderful prizes to be won! Beginner or not, everyone is welcome to join! You may also participate as a group, so feel free to invite your friends!   Organiser Tengendai x Shirabu Reborn Council   Dates and Times 1st round – 28th August (Sunday) 2nd round – 19th September (Monday, national holiday) 3rd round – 16th October (Sunday)   Morning Section 09:00 – Registration begins 10:00 – Race begins Afternoon Section 12:30 – Registration begins 13:30 – Race begins   Participation Details - Each section accepts up to 9 entries. - It is not mandatory to participate in all three rounds of races - You need an account on the STRAVA mobile app to enter the races - A minimum body height of 150 cm is recommended for riding the e-mountain bike   Course Details Total distance: 2.75 km Elevation: 362 m Maximum Slope: 28 degrees Average Slope: 15 degrees   Entry Fee 3,000 Yen (includes: e-mountain bike rental fee, ropeway descent ticket, general insurance, snacks, day entry into Shirabu Onsen)   Registration Location Tengendai Kogen Ropeway Yumoto Station Carpark   Contact Please contact Tengendai Kogen at 0238-55-2236 (Japanese) for any queries, or to express interest in joining the races.  

Tengendai Kogen’s ropeway operating hours will extend for a limited time, with the last ascent for the evening occurring at 18:00. Grab this chance to catch sight of the mesmerizing sunset at Mt. Nishi-Azuma! In addition, a special event, Fireworks Beyond the Autumn Night’s Clouds , will be held on 23rd September!   If you love sightseeing, then this is an opportunity that you can’t afford to miss! Check out the event details below.     Sunset Cruising at Mt. Nishi-Azuma Event Period: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 21st August 2022 (Sunday) to 24th September 2022 (Saturday)   Extended Ropeway Operating Hours: 17:00 - 18:00 (Final ascent at 18:00) Final descent: 18:30 * Timings may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and sunset timing. * In the event of bad weather conditions (rain, fog, lightning or strong winds) occurring at 17:00, the services will be cancelled for the rest of the day. Fees: The ongoing Enjoy Kogen Package discount applies. Booking is not required. For more information, please view this brochure . (Japanese)   Adults – 1,200 Yen (tax included) Children (Elementary School age) – 1,000 Yen (tax included) Children (Below elementary school age) – Free Each package includes the following: Two-way use of the ropeway, and a redeemable local specialty of your choice from the café* * Select any two of the following, redeemable at the front desk on 1F from 08:30 to 16:30: Tama konnyaku, Amazake, Tsuyahime rice, or the café’s highly recommended Kogen Soft Cream! Limited quantities available on each day.   Fireworks Beyond the Autumn Night’s Clouds Date: 23rd September 2022, Friday * In the case of rain, the event will be postponed to Saturday, 24th September 2022   Time: 18:00   Attire Long sleeves and warm clothing are recommended as the events are held high up in the mountain.   Inquiries For more information, please contact Tengendai Kogen at 0238-55-2236 (Japanese)  

The city is calling all those interested to come plant rice as part of Yonezawa's yearly Rice Field Art project. The image that will be created this year depicts Uesugi Yozan. Participants will receive special perks as well, such as receiving some of the rice collected during the harvest in the fall. If you are interested, please see the details below and apply!   Date: May 29 (Sun.), 2022 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (subject to be canceled in case of heavy rain) *Please prepare lunch before coming as it will not be provided.   Meeting Location: Misawa Community Center Phone number: 0238-32-2005 Rice Planting Location: Yanazawa Rice Field Art Paddy   Fee: Adults (high school age and above) - 1000 yen Children (middle school age and below) - 500 yen *Please note that there are no group discounts.   Special Perks: 1.) Onogawa Onsen Ticket (valid only on May 29) 2.) 2 kg of rice harvested during the fall *Those participating in both the planting and harvesting experiences will receive 5 kg of rice!   Participation Requirements: Those who fulfill all below requirements (as of May 29, 2022) will be eligible to participate.   - Is from a region that is not subjected to COVID-19 containment measures higher than a quasi-state of emergency - Has not contracted COVID-19 within the past two weeks, and is not considered to have been in close contact with an infected person - No family members (who live with the participant) and coworkers currently are positive with COVID-19 or are close-contact individuals - Has no fever (considered 37.5°C and above), fatigue, coughing, or other symptoms   Inquires/Applications: Yonezawa City Hall Tourism Section Phone number: 0238-22-5111 (extension: 4205, 4206) Fax: 0238-24-4541 Email address: y-kanko@ms5.omn.ne.jp * To apply in English , please send an email to tourism@city.yonezawa.yamagata.jp. *Please apply by phone, fax, or email. When applying, please send your address, full name, age, gender, and phone number.   *Cancellations are possible until May 20 (Fri.) Those who cancel after the above date will still be required to pay the participation fee. Rice will still be distributed to those who pay the fee but cannot attend.   *Depending on the COVID-19 situation at the time, the event may be subject to cancellation. *Please view the attached PDF (Japanese) for more information  

This year's Yonezawa Uesugi Festival will be held from April 29 (Fri., holiday) to May 3 (Tues., holiday).   As the health and safety of visitors and participants is of utmost importance, we have decided to hold the festival only upon ensuring we have well-implemented infection control measures. We kindly ask for your understanding in this decision.   For more information, please check the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival official website . (Japanese)