Dec 262012
 

Today, our office was given the opportunity to meet with visitors from the Japanese Geoparks Network and San’in Kaigan Geopark. At this meeting we discussed ways in which the Itoigawa Global Geopark can improve and develop its role within the Global Network of National Geoparks. It was certainly an interesting meeting.

 We discussed the Itoigawa Global Geopark’s need for more presence within the Global Geopark Network. We are working on increasing our English-language materials and publications as well as training local guides in providing English guidance. However, we must also determine where we fit within the framework of the Global Geopark Network. How can we use our experiences and our resources to further the Geopark movement on an international level?

We will consider this carefully as we work toward improving our Geopark in the coming year.

–Ishikoro


Dec 252012
 

Merry Christmas from the Itoigawa Global Geopark! I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas with family and friends as we draw ever closer the New Year!

Over the weekend we’ve received more snow and ice. During this season many of the park’s geosites become inaccessible, but that does not mean there’s nothing left to do here in Itoigawa!

This past Saturday (Dec 22), local ski resort Itoigawa Seaside Valley opened its slopes for the 2013 skiing season. Many visitors, beginners and seasoned veterans alike, made use of the recent three-day weekend to hit the slopes at this charming resort tucked away in Itoigawa’s Nechi Valley. As the name suggests, the view of the Sea of Japan from this resort’s slopes is one not to miss!

Whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding or even just relaxing in the hot spring bath at Hotel White Cliff after a nice meal, if you plan to visit Itoigawa this winter, be sure to include Itoigawa Seaside Valley in your itinerary!

 

–Ishikoro

 

Photograph of Seaside Valley Slope (taken during previous season)

seaside

http://www.seasidevalley.com/ (Japanese-only)


Dec 212012
 

Hajimemashite! Nice to meet you!

Yokoso and welcome to the Itoigawa Global Geopark’s new English language blog! To be totally honest with you, I don’t have much experience with writing blogs, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

Through this blog I want to share the latest information about events and activities going on throughout Itoigawa and its geopark. More (or perhaps less!?) importantly, I want to write about my own experiences and discoveries here in Itoigawa, a city as rich in culture and history as it is in natural beauty.

As for today, I’m fighting a cold and looking forward to a weekend of rest with lots of tea and soup.

It’s cold outside so bundle up and take care!

–Ishikoro


 Posted by at 8:11 PM