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About 1.5 hours from Tokyo, awaits an extraordinary journey through mountains and rural landscapes

Japan, 1st Oct 2026 – The Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail, connecting six cities and towns in northern Ibaraki Prefecture, has now fully opened as an approximately 350-kilometer route, Ibaraki Prefectural Government Northern Region Development Bureau announces. 

With its full opening, the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail is now the longest long trail in Japan designed as a loop route.

Stretching approximately 350 kilometers, the trail connects a diverse range of local attractions, including lush forests and satoyama landscapes, valleys, coastlines, and historic cultural heritage sites. What awaits here is more than simply hiking toward a destination.

Walk through the region’s natural landscapes, encounter its history, meet the people who call the area home, and experience the local food and culture unique to each place. On the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail, a new way to travel in Ibaraki begins—one that allows visitors to experience the region’s appeal in a way that can only be discovered on foot.

And through this trail, Ibaraki offers opportunities to discover the many different sides of Japan.

 

A New Way to Travel in Japan: “Travel by Foot”

 

Hitachinokuni Trail

Unlike mountain climbing, where reaching a summit is the primary objective, a long trail is a route designed for journeys where walking itself is part of the experience, connecting hiking and mountain trails with paths through satoyama landscapes, agricultural areas, and local communities.

Hitachinokuni Trail

 

Along the way, travelers can encounter not only spectacular natural scenery but also the history, culture, everyday life, food, and other landscapes unique to each region.
From forests and valleys to the Japan countryside and coast, every section offers a different perspective on the places and communities along the route.

Japan has a long tradition of traveling on foot, from the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes to the Shikoku pilgrimage.
In recent years, as interest in health and well-being and in spending time in nature has grown, long trails have attracted increasing attention as a new style of travel.

 

Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail

A 350-Kilometer Journey Connecting Satoyama and Communities

 

Hitachinokuni Trail

The Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail is a long-distance trail that connects the diverse natural landscapes, food, historical and cultural heritage, and other regional attractions scattered throughout northern Ibaraki Prefecture via hiking trails and other paths. Its concept is “an extraordinary journey of repeatedly walking through mountains and rural landscapes while experiencing both everyday life and the extraordinary.”

One of its greatest features is the opportunity to walk through rich natural surroundings while experiencing Japan’s satoyama landscapes, local culture, and the lives of the people who live there. The trail passes not only through deep forests and valleys, but also through communities, fields, and historic sites, and areas along the coast, where visitors can experience the distinctive scenery of a coastal trail alongside landscapes shaped by generations of human life.

Its convenient accessibility from the Tokyo metropolitan area is another major attraction. There is no need to walk the entire trail in a single trip. Depending on their fitness level, interests, and itinerary, visitors can enjoy individual travel as section hikes or day hikes.

Whether embarking on a long journey or a short one, travelers can enjoy the trail at their own pace. That is the appeal of the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail.

 

Discovering a New Kind of Slow Travel in Ibaraki

 

Hitachinokuni Trail

The appeal of Ibaraki is not limited to visiting a large number of tourist attractions in a short amount of time. Walk. Talk with local people. Make something. Taste the region’s cuisine. Spend time in nature.

Through each of these experiences, travelers can slowly come to understand the culture and everyday life of a place.

The full opening of the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail represents the potential for this new kind of slow travel in Ibaraki—one centered on taking the time to experience a destination.

Just one to two hours from Tokyo, Ibaraki’s proximity and diversity are among its greatest attractions.

Here, travelers can encounter an incredibly diverse Japan, from the forefront of space exploration to mythology and prayer, traditional crafts, fermentation culture, and satoyama landscapes where local communities continue to live in harmony with nature.

Beyond traveling along the long trail itself, visitors can discover different sides of Japan according to their own individual curiosity.

With the full opening of the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail as a starting point, Ibaraki is opening up its diverse attractions as a new destination capable of responding to the curiosity of every traveler.

Discover more: https://kenpokult.com/en/

—

Company: Ibaraki Prefectural Government Northern Region Development Bureau
Name: PR
Email: kenpokusinkou2@pref.ibaraki.lg.jp
HP URL: https://visit.ibarakiguide.jp/en/

Media Contact

Organization: Ibaraki Prefectural Government Northern Region Development Bureau

Contact Person: P.R.

Website: https://visit.ibarakiguide.jp/en/

Email: Send Email

Country: Japan

Release id: 49603

The post Japan’s Longest Loop long trail, the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail, Fully Opens appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

Community leaders, humanitarian advocates and peacebuilders gathered at the Church of Scientology London to mark the UN International Day of Peace and examine how human rights, education and local action contribute to peaceful communities.

Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 1st Oct 2026 — Community leaders, humanitarian advocates and peacebuilders from across London gathered at the Church of Scientology London for a round-table discussion marking the United Nations International Day of Peace, with participants focusing on the practical contribution individuals and civil society can make to building more peaceful communities.

The gathering reflected the 2026 United Nations theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” which places particular emphasis on people working at community level to bridge divisions, strengthen dialogue and create the conditions for lasting peace. The International Day of Peace is observed annually on 21 September and was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981.

Rather than approaching peace solely as a question for governments and international institutions, speakers at the London meeting explored its connection with everyday choices, human rights education, humanitarian work and community responsibility.

Lorna Marah, a Peace Ambassador, United Nations Women Advocate and member of the UK Civil Service Women Alliance, described peace as something requiring deliberate effort rather than something that emerges by itself.

“Peace is not accidental. It is intentional. It is crafted through our choices, our leadership, our compassion, and our willingness to challenge the norms that divide us,” Marah said. “Peace is a design project and every one of us is a designer.”

Her remarks echoed an important element of this year’s UN observance: recognition of the role played by people whose work in neighbourhoods, schools and communities helps create stability, dialogue and cooperation from the ground up.

The discussion also brought a humanitarian perspective through Eleanor Daibowon Moore, the London-based founder of Eleanor’s Children Foundation, which works in Liberia with young orphans and widows, including through projects intended to support sustainable livelihoods and greater independence.

“Peace is a ship — a responsibility, which needs our care and help,” Moore told participants.

Her contribution placed economic independence, care for vulnerable people and community support within the wider discussion about the conditions in which peaceful societies can develop.

Suraiya Kassamally of Rotary Club London presented another approach to peacebuilding, briefing participants on the work of the Rotary Peace Centers and their international fellowship programme.

Since the programme began in 2002, more than 1,900 fellows have received training through Rotary’s peace fellowship programme, with alumni working internationally in government, civil society, education, peacebuilding and related fields.

“We all need peace now — more than ever before,” Kassamally said.

Human rights education as part of peacebuilding

A central theme of the London discussion was the relationship between peace and knowledge of fundamental human rights.

Tracey Coleman, Community Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology London, highlighted human rights education as one means of addressing intolerance, bullying and discrimination before they become entrenched within communities.

“Peace has everything to do with human rights,” Coleman said. “Where we see lack of harmony, where we see bullying, we see violations of human rights.”

“We must join hands, work together in positive action and make sure our youth know their 30 human rights. We must not only ‘know’ these rights but apply them in our lives to bring about a world with respect and tolerance.”

The Church supports the educational work of Youth for Human Rights International, a nonprofit initiative that presents the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in formats designed for young people and educators. Its resources include booklets, audiovisual materials and educator materials intended to make the principles of the Declaration understandable and applicable in daily life.

The support forms part of the wider humanitarian and social initiatives associated with the Church of Scientology and inspired by its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, including programmes concerned with human rights education, drug prevention, literacy and community service.

The London round table placed that work alongside the experience of other organisations and advocates, illustrating how people from different professional, humanitarian and civic backgrounds can find common ground around dignity, responsibility and peaceful coexistence.

Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations, proposed the following reflection on the gathering:

“Europe’s experience has repeatedly shown that peace cannot be separated from human dignity and fundamental rights. Those principles acquire their full meaning when they become part of everyday life — in our schools, neighbourhoods, institutions and relationships with people whose beliefs or backgrounds may differ from our own. Meetings such as this bring together people with very different experiences around a shared responsibility: turning respect, dialogue and human rights into daily practice.”

The emphasis on human dignity is consistent with the UN’s approach to peace as more than the absence of conflict, connecting it with safety, dignity, opportunity, cooperation and respect for fundamental rights.

The International Day of Peace was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. In 2001, the General Assembly strengthened the observance by designating 21 September as a day of non-violence and ceasefire. The annual observance has since developed into an international occasion for governments, organisations and communities to examine how dialogue, education, human rights and cooperation can contribute to more peaceful societies.

The London gathering reflected that community-level interpretation of peace: not as a single annual event, but as a continuing process involving education, cooperation and respect across differences.

About the Church of Scientology in Europe

The Church of Scientology, founded on the religious and philosophical works of L. Ron Hubbard, maintains churches, missions, groups and members throughout the European continent. Scientologists support a range of educational and community initiatives addressing human rights awareness, drug prevention, moral education and volunteer service. The Church and its affiliated religious communities have obtained various forms of religious and charitable recognition in European jurisdictions as their presence and engagement with civil society have developed across the continent. Its humanitarian programmes continue to place emphasis on education, prevention and practical community betterment.

Media Contact

Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights

Contact Person: Ivan Arjona

Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org

Email: Send Email

Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103

City: Brussels

State: Brussels

Country: Belgium

Release id: 49602

The post London Peace Day Round Table Links Human Rights Education with Everyday Peacebuilding appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

Recent Storm Activity In North Texas

Irving, Texas, Oct 01, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Severe storm activity over parts of North Texas on September 20 brought heavy rains, damaging winds, and hail concerns to a few communities.  A post-storm inspection is critical for homeowners, particularly when severe weather conditions put stress on roofing materials.

Even roofs that appear to be fine can be damaged due to storms. If damage is suspected, homeowners across the DFW area should watch for any visible warning signs and schedule a professional inspection.

The Reason You May Not See Storm Damage

Storm damage is not always apparent. Hail only leaves small impact marks, while strong winds can break, unfasten, or lift shingles without causing a leak immediately. Over time, loss of these granules can also damage shingles.

Other concerns include deteriorated flashing, roof penetrations, vents, and areas around skylights. If there are small openings in the roofing system, the water will seep under the roof and lead to moisture damage within the house.

Signs Irving and DFW Homeowners Should Pay Attention To

 Following severe weather, homeowners can safely inspect areas they can see from the ground and access for interior signs of damage:

• Missing or lifted shingles

• Hail marks or impact damage

• Granules accumulating around gutters and downspouts

• Damaged or displaced flashing

• Loose roofing components

• Ceiling or attic water stains

• New leaks or signs of moisture

• Damaged vents or skylights

Homeowners who notice these warning signs should hire a DFW roofing company for a detailed inspection

Why a Professional Roof Inspection is Crucial

It will point out obvious storm damage, but also other less-obvious hail hits and potential water entry points, as well as worn-out roof components. A qualified Irving roofer comes with advanced equipment to assess whether a problem needs immediate repair.

Climbing on your roof after the storm is usually unsuitable for homeowners. The slippery nature of wet & damaged roofing surfaces can create extreme safety hazards. An experienced professional comes equipped with the appropriate tools and training to inspect the roof in a safer manner.

How to Identify Storm Damage

Homeowners who suspect their property may have suffered storm damage can do the following:

• Take photos of any visible damage from a safe distance.

• Inspect the roof and inside the attic for moisture or water stains.

• Steer clear of any makeshift repairs, which can lead to extra problems later.

• Schedule a professional roof inspection.

• Some insurance policies only review auto damage after an accident, for example.

• Retain photographs, inspection records, and documentation from your free consultation for future reference.

Expert Roofing Advice From 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction

“Homeowners should not think that their roof is fine just because they cannot see any leaks,” a representative from 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction said. “Storm damage can sometimes be subtle, and issues around shingles, flashing, vents, or other roofing components may not immediately be evident. A simple initial inspection can detect problems before they become more severe.

Local Roofing in Irving & the DFW Area

With over three decades of experience, 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction has been providing effective roofing services to Irving residents and other neighborhoods. The company offers residential and commercial roofing services, including storm and hail damage inspections, emergency roofing service, roof repairs, and replacements.

As a trusted Irving roofing company, roofers at 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction know the role of roof inspections after severe weather. Irving roofers assist homeowners with assessing damage and understanding how to proceed.

Protecting Your Roof After Extreme Weather

Storm damage may not necessarily show signs of a leak. If you are a homeowner who suspects your roof has been impacted, it is better to schedule a professional inspection than to wait until there is a bigger roofing problem. Early inspection protects the home and provides more insight into required repairs.

About 911 Exteriors

911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction is a trusted roofing company serving Irving and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. With over 30 years of experience, the company provides roof inspections, repairs, replacements, and storm damage services. 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction has served more than 12,000 homes and is known for responsive service, quality workmanship, and customer-focused roofing solutions. For more information, call 972-243-6700 or visit 911exteriors.com.

Recent Storm Activity In North Texas

Irving, Texas, Oct 01, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Severe storm activity over parts of North Texas on September 20 brought heavy rains, damaging winds, and hail concerns to a few communities.  A post-storm inspection is critical for homeowners, particularly when severe weather conditions put stress on roofing materials.

Even roofs that appear to be fine can be damaged due to storms. If damage is suspected, homeowners across the DFW area should watch for any visible warning signs and schedule a professional inspection.

The Reason You May Not See Storm Damage

Storm damage is not always apparent. Hail only leaves small impact marks, while strong winds can break, unfasten, or lift shingles without causing a leak immediately. Over time, loss of these granules can also damage shingles.

Other concerns include deteriorated flashing, roof penetrations, vents, and areas around skylights. If there are small openings in the roofing system, the water will seep under the roof and lead to moisture damage within the house.

Signs Irving and DFW Homeowners Should Pay Attention To

 Following severe weather, homeowners can safely inspect areas they can see from the ground and access for interior signs of damage:

• Missing or lifted shingles

• Hail marks or impact damage

• Granules accumulating around gutters and downspouts

• Damaged or displaced flashing

• Loose roofing components

• Ceiling or attic water stains

• New leaks or signs of moisture

• Damaged vents or skylights

Homeowners who notice these warning signs should hire a DFW roofing company for a detailed inspection

Why a Professional Roof Inspection is Crucial

It will point out obvious storm damage, but also other less-obvious hail hits and potential water entry points, as well as worn-out roof components. A qualified Irving roofer comes with advanced equipment to assess whether a problem needs immediate repair.

Climbing on your roof after the storm is usually unsuitable for homeowners. The slippery nature of wet & damaged roofing surfaces can create extreme safety hazards. An experienced professional comes equipped with the appropriate tools and training to inspect the roof in a safer manner.

How to Identify Storm Damage

Homeowners who suspect their property may have suffered storm damage can do the following:

• Take photos of any visible damage from a safe distance.

• Inspect the roof and inside the attic for moisture or water stains.

• Steer clear of any makeshift repairs, which can lead to extra problems later.

• Schedule a professional roof inspection.

• Some insurance policies only review auto damage after an accident, for example.

• Retain photographs, inspection records, and documentation from your free consultation for future reference.

Expert Roofing Advice From 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction

“Homeowners should not think that their roof is fine just because they cannot see any leaks,” a representative from 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction said. “Storm damage can sometimes be subtle, and issues around shingles, flashing, vents, or other roofing components may not immediately be evident. A simple initial inspection can detect problems before they become more severe.

Local Roofing in Irving & the DFW Area

With over three decades of experience, 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction has been providing effective roofing services to Irving residents and other neighborhoods. The company offers residential and commercial roofing services, including storm and hail damage inspections, emergency roofing service, roof repairs, and replacements.

As a trusted Irving roofing company, roofers at 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction know the role of roof inspections after severe weather. Irving roofers assist homeowners with assessing damage and understanding how to proceed.

Protecting Your Roof After Extreme Weather

Storm damage may not necessarily show signs of a leak. If you are a homeowner who suspects your roof has been impacted, it is better to schedule a professional inspection than to wait until there is a bigger roofing problem. Early inspection protects the home and provides more insight into required repairs.

About 911 Exteriors

911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction is a trusted roofing company serving Irving and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. With over 30 years of experience, the company provides roof inspections, repairs, replacements, and storm damage services. 911 Exteriors Roofing and Construction has served more than 12,000 homes and is known for responsive service, quality workmanship, and customer-focused roofing solutions. For more information, call 972-243-6700 or visit 911exteriors.com.