익숙한 나라, 일본에 숨겨진 보석 같은 순간들! '이지연 아나운서'와 떠나는 '일본 소도시 기행'?!ㅣ이지연의 일본 소도시 기행ㅣ세계테마기행ㅣTV로 보는 #골라듄다큐

1. Between Snowflakes and Cherry Blossoms, Nagano ( 00:00:00 ~ 00:24:13 ) We begin the second story of our trip to small Japanese towns with announcer Lee Ji-yeon in Nagano, a city surrounded by snow-capped mountains known as the "Japanese Alps." Red plum blossoms herald the arrival of spring on the streets, while the surrounding snow-capped mountains embrace the winter. As the city that hosted the "Nagano Winter Olympics," skiing is possible here until early May. We climb Mt. Ryuo in the Kitashiga Plateau, a famous winter sports destination, and savor the pristine white world over a cup of coffee. Leaving the snowy landscape behind, we drive 30 minutes to Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. Although it is called Jigokudani (Hell Valley) due to the steam rising from the ground and the smell of sulfur, it is actually a paradise for monkeys. Here, you can find the world's only "Monkey Open-Air Bath"! On a cold day, we meet wild monkeys peacefully enjoying a hot spring bath. It is time to enjoy Oyaki, Nagano's representative local snack. Oyaki is a dish resembling our dumplings, made by filling wheat or buckwheat dough with red bean paste or pickled vegetables and shaping it into a ball. For the people of Nagano, it is a taste of home and a food that evokes the flavor of a mother's cooking. What does Oyaki taste like when grilled in a traditional Japanese hearth? Next, we head to the castle city of Matsumoto. Upon entering the city, Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle," welcomes travelers. It is spring, with approximately 300 cherry trees surrounding the castle in bloom. Immerse yourself in the fantastic scenery painted by the black, majestic castle, the spring light of cherry blossoms, and the pure white snow-capped mountains. 2. A Sparkling Flavor, Izu Peninsula ( 00:24:13 ~ 00:52:36 ) The Izu Peninsula, a mysterious land where the entire peninsula has been designated a UNESCO World Geopark due to its unique volcanic topography! First, we head to Jokasaki Beach, a spectacular landscape sculpted by volcanic activity, located in Ito, a coastal city in the eastern part of the Izu Peninsula. The coastal cliffs, formed by magma solidifying after volcanic eruptions, and the cliffs carved by the fierce waves of the Pacific Ocean, are truly the representative scenic wonder of Ito. From the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge atop the coastal cliffs, feel the force of the endlessly rushing waves. We head to Izu, a mountainous region in the center of the Izu Peninsula where the Amagi Mountains pass through. Hidden within this area, which boasts abundant water resources, lies Izu's treasure: wasabi. We savor the joy of harvesting by personally digging up Izu wasabi, which is grown using clean water filtered by stone structures known as "Tatamiishi." Next, we attempt the "Wasabi Rice Bowl," a dish featured in the famous Japanese drama *The Solitary Gourmet*. We savor the true taste of wasabi that clears the sinuses. Mount Omuro, the landmark of the Izu Peninsula. This extinct volcano was formed by volcanic activity approximately 4,000 years ago, and when the new grass sprouts in spring, it closely resembles a matcha cake. At the summit, reached via a lift, we walk around the massive crater and take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the Izu Peninsula. 3. Restaurants with Mount Fuji Views, Shizuoka ( 00:52:36 ~ 01:19:19 ) Shizuoka, a place embracing Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. In particular, here, where you can admire Mount Fuji—the symbol of Japan—there is the fun of seeking out "restaurants with Mount Fuji views." We visit places such as the Fuji-san Dream Bridge (a bridge over the road), highway rest areas, and the Fujikawa Service Area to capture the scenery of Mount Fuji. The journey leads to Suruga Bay, which overlooks Mount Fuji. While on a trip to see Mount Fuji, we unexpectedly discover Suruga Bay's unique gem lying on the seabed: "Cherry Blossom Shrimp"! These red-hued Cherry Blossom Shrimp, in season during spring and autumn, are a specialty of Suruga Bay. After savoring the cherry blossom shrimp that will make this spring even more bountiful, we head to Shiraito Falls, said to have been formed by the melting snow of Mount Fuji. Timely rain has further intensified the waterfall's flow. True to its name, meaning "white thread," the waterfall creates a magnificent spectacle as it cascades down the rock face like silk threads. Next, we visited Sumata Gorge in central Shizuoka Prefecture. Situated at the entrance to the Southern Japanese Alps, this site was selected as one of the "100 Natural Wonders of Japan to Preserve in the 21st Century." The highlight of this place is the Kokonoe "Dream" Suspension Bridge. Crossing the bridge, which is 8 meters high and 90 meters long, we immerse ourselves in the dreamlike scenery, accompanied by the emerald water flowing below. After setting off again and encountering a 300-year-old cherry tree in Kawane-cho, Shimada City, we head to taste another Shizuoka de...