TOKYO×CHIBA Ananya & Grace

The Stone & Light Plaza, along with the Flower Plaza and Center Promenade, provides venue space for public gatherings, and features events and activities by Tokyo-certified artists. After the opening ceremony, the Olympic flame at the Olympic Stadium was transferred to the competition-period cauldron on the Ariake side of the Yume no Ohashi Bridge in the Tokyo waterfront area. As the first cauldron in Olympic history fueled by hydrogen, it remained lit until the closing ceremonies of the games.

Located in Kamogawa City, the Oyama Senmaida composed of 375 rice terraces have produced high-quality Nagamasa rice since pre Edo-period. Although the aging of the agricultural workforce has accelerated the decline of farming communities, the Oyama rice terraces garnered nationwide attention through the adoption of a unique rice field ownership system that helped it succeed in farmland maintenance through interaction with city dwellers. In 1999, it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Terraced Rice Fields, and designated as an area for the Cultural Landscape Preservation and Utilization Project by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan.

Ota-ya, a long-established fan maker that originated from Edo-style fans, moved to the Boso Area due to the war, and the fourth-generation owner Mitsue Ota now carries on the tradition of Boso fans. Fans originated in ancient China and were introduced to Japan, where they were used for cooling and as decorative items from the Nara period onward. During the Edo period, technological advancements led to their widespread adoption among commoners, with fans featuring designs by Ukiyoe artists called “uchiwa-e” becoming especially popular. Bamboo from the Boshu region of Chiba Prefecture proved ideal for fan ribs. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, Edo artisans relocated to the Funagata area, establishing Boshu as a center for uchiwa fan production.

Haraoka Pier, also known as Okamoto Pier, is midway down the Haraoka Coast in the city of Minamiboso. This wooden pier, unusually long in Japan at about 160 meters, offers gorgeous views out to sea. That makes it a popular spot to take photos. On a clear day, you can get shots containing both the pier and Mt. Fuji on the opposite shore. In early May and early August, you can also see a spectacular view of the glimmering "Diamond Fuji," with the setting sun over the top of the famous peak.

At Wanariya, you can experience indigo dyeing using natural indigo. Indigo is a traditional Japanese dye known for its properties in preventing odors, repelling insects, and protecting the skin from sunburn. It’s also considered gentle on skin prone to atopic dermatitis and allergies. Items you create can be taken home the same day, and clear explanations are provided in English.