Explore old growth cedar and beech forests and learn about the deep relationship and history this community has with its surrounding forest.

◇Time
①Oct 18 (Sun) 8:15 - 16:00
②Oct 24 (Sat) 8:15 - 16:00
※Meet-up at 8:15 in front of Itoigawa City Hall

◇Place
Ōtokoro Forest, Ōtokoro Village, Takanami-no-Ike Pond, Mt. Myōjō Lookout Point

◇Open to
Anyone ages 11 and up (Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

◇Guide
Geopark Guide, Kirara Nature Society

◇Sign-up
Sign-up from Oct 1 to the day before departure ※Limit 10 per tour

◇Fee: 2,000 yen (Guide fee, lunch, insurance)

・Please wear a mask, comfortable clothing, hat and trekking shoes. Please bring your own drinks and raingear.

◇To sign-up or for more information call
Fossa Magna Museum　☎553-1880

The Renge Road which provides access to Renge Geosite and the famous Renge Hot Springs will open in July!

Open: July 1, 2020 (Wed) 3:00 p.m.
Closed: Mid October 2020

※Please be careful of poor visibility, road maintenance, winding curves, narrow sections and falling rocks--especially during rain, strong winds and damp conditions. Drive carefully and be mindful of hikers and other drivers.

The shuttle bus service to Renge Hot Springs from Itoigawa and Hiraiwa Stations is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 11.

The Fossa Magna Museum, GeoPal Information Center and other tourist facilities are now reopening to the general public.
Please bear in mind that some facilities remain closed. Please check the Itoigawa City Tourism Association's Emergency Info site for more details.
https://discover-itoigawa.com/emergency-info/

We've created a special logo mark, splitting it down the middle along the zigzag representing the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line, to promote social distancing within the Geopark area.

Our mascot characters, Geomaru and Nuna, are helping out, too! They're working to show how everyone should wear masks to prevent infection, even mascots. Geomaru shows us that you don't even need ears to wear a mask!

These logo marks and characters are being displayed at most Geopark facilities, including the Fossa Magna Museum and GeoPal Information Center, but we plan to make more use of them throughout the Itoigawa Geopark.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Itoigawa Geopark Area, but we will continue to implement prevention and awareness activities

To prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the following festivals have been cancelled:

・Apr 10-11 Amatsu Shrine Spring Grand Festival (Itoigawa Fighting Festival)
・Apr 19 Nikkoji Fighting Festival
・Apr 24 Nou Hakusan Shrine Spring Grand Festival

We're sure many of you were looking forward to these festivals (so were we!) but we hope for your understanding.

Earth Day was created as a day for people all over the world to take time to think about the Earth and the environment. This year's theme is "Climate Action." Even in the Itoigawa Geopark, we can see the effects of climate change, including snowless winters and dry fields. Now, more than ever before, immediate action is needed.

Everyone can take part in the fight to reduce climate change. Simple things like choosing local produce or adjusting your thermostat are a great way to get started!

For more info about easy ways you can help reduce the effects of climate change, visit the UN's Climate Action Website:

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/take-action.shtml