Manda Pit, located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that conveys the history of the Miike Coal Mine, which supported Japan's modernization. Visitors can explore the large shaft headframe, winding room, and coal mine trains, allowing them to feel the scale of the coal mine where many people once worked. Unlike bustling tourist spots, this is a place where you can confront history in a quiet setting. It is also an easily accessible stop during your travels in Kumamoto or on your way from Fukuoka to Kumamoto. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and junior high school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Arao City Tourism #Miike Coal Mine #Meiji Japan's Industrial Revolution Heritage #Industrial Heritage #Modern Industrial Heritage #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #Kumamoto #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #IndustrialHeritage

🌸Cherry Blossoms at Wakin Peninsula🌸 This morning was somewhat cloudy, but the sun has become stronger in the afternoon, making it a great time to enjoy the blossoms. The view of Lake Kussharo from Wakin Peninsula is also calm, promising beautiful scenery to enjoy. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to head to Wakin Peninsula soon!🏃‍♂️💨

Photographed on May 2, 26. This is the lily of the valley wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is shaped like a lily of the valley and is a very cute wind chime.🎐

On May 12th (Tuesday), the Ninomaru Takigi Noh will be held at the Ninomaru Historical Garden. In Matsuyama, Noh theater has thrived under the patronage of the feudal lord and has been passed down as a traditional art to this day. The event is characterized by being held against the backdrop of the stone walls of Matsuyama Castle located on the north side of the garden, creating a mystical atmosphere. Why not enjoy the Takigi Noh and make it a charming evening? 【33rd Ninomaru Takigi Noh】 Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Doors open at 5:00 PM, Performance starts at 6:00 PM, Ends at 8:30 PM (tentative) Location: Special Noh stage within the Ninomaru Historical Garden (5 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City) *In case of rain, it will be moved to the Main Hall of Matsuyama Civic Center, with a delayed start at 6:30 PM. *Both the Ninomaru Historical Garden and the Main Hall have unreserved seating. Admission: General 1,400 yen (1,000 yen for Matsuyama Cultural Association members, 700 yen for high school students and younger) Sales locations: Matsuyama City General Community Center Cultural Association Office, Matsuyama Civic Center Program: Kongō School Maihōshi "Kumano" (Yuya) Kita School Maihōshi "Tetsuwan" (Kanawa) Ōkura School Kyōgen "Shimizu" (Shimizu) Hōshō School Maihōshi "Funabenkei" (Funabenkei) Kanze School Noh "Tamura" (Tamura) #Ehime Prefecture #Matsuyama City #Ninomaru Historical Garden #Takigi Noh #Culture #EHIME #MATSUYAMA #NINOMARU #TAKIGI-NOH #Like Matsuyama #Matsuyama Tourism #Matsuyama Tourism Convention Association

During the Golden Week holidays a few days ago, I visited the popular tourist spot "Ryugetsu Sweet Pia Garden" in Otofuke Town✨ The warm weather tempted me to have ice cream🤤, and I enjoyed the limited menu item "Tokachi Kinagoromo Soft" from the Garden Cafe🍦🫘 This soybean-flavored soft serve is topped with brown sugar syrup, and the cone is filled with plenty of Tokachi red bean paste, making it a delicate treat characteristic of Ryugetsu! It was very delicious✨ Be sure to try this exclusive flavor that can only be enjoyed in Otofuke Town!

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Arrival 🚢 The cruise ship "Seven Seas Explorer" will be arriving in Kushiro! Passengers will disembark and enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope the citizens will warmly welcome them with a friendly atmosphere 😊 As the ship departs, there will be an Ainu dance farewell performance by Chaz 👋 We look forward to your participation! ✨ *Parking available for general visitors Date: Friday, May 8, Year R8 Arrival: 8:00 AM Departure: 5:00 PM Location: Kushiro Port East Port District Seismic-Resistant Passenger Terminal Local products on sale from around 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Farewell around 4:30 PM.

The rice planting season is in full swing in Azumino. You can encounter the beautiful scenery of water mirrors reflecting the Northern Alps throughout the town. By the time autumn arrives, delicious rice will be waiting for you.😄 The Azumino Tourism Association is currently recruiting "rice paddy owners." Why not spend some time in Azumino growing your own rice with water from the Northern Alps?😆

On May 7th, the weather forecast suggests a summer-like day in Azumino. The air is clear, and you can see the Northern Alps in full view in the morning. The scenery of Azumino reflected in the water mirror is simply mesmerizing! 😆

【Shibazakura Takinoue Park Information on May 8】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Today's forecast for Takinoue Town is a maximum temperature of 10°C. Rain is expected to come and go. Currently, at 9 AM, there is light rain. It is chilly, so warm clothing is recommended. The blooming status is about 60% overall, with some areas at 70%. On May 9 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, a bird-watching event will be held by local nature guide "Poussin"! Each session accommodates 20 participants, and participation is free. *Admission fees apply. Please gather at the information center located in the parking lot. On May 10 (Sunday), a photo seminar titled "Color Expression of Shibazakura" will be conducted by a professional photographer. For those without equipment, Nikon will lend out professional gear, so feel free to participate. Children, including elementary and middle school students, are welcome to join. Family participation is also highly encouraged! We look forward to seeing everyone. *Participation is free, but admission fees apply. ------------------------ 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) Admission Fees Adults (high school students and above) / 500 yen Group of 10 or more / 400 yen Children (elementary and middle school students) / 250 yen Group of 10 or more / 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Photo Seminar #Nikon #Hisao Asano

Taken on May 2, 2026. This is the "Blessing Water Flower Handwashing" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It looks beautiful from any angle. Available for a limited time until May 6.

Take a little time slip back to the Showa era. To mark the 100th anniversary of Showa, we are hosting a special event that shines a light on the culture of "afternoon snacks."✨ Napolitan Pancakes Pudding à la mode Cream soda Lemon squash Enjoy a nostalgic "Showa time" at your leisure. We look forward to welcoming you at Kushiro Prince Hotel. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

【Woody Summer School 2026】 Join us for a woodworking camp to create wooden toys "Woody Summer School" This year marks the 32nd edition, where we will create a powerful "tractor" that runs through fields over a 2-night, 3-day program! Dates: From 2 PM on Friday, August 7, 2026, to 11:30 AM on Sunday, August 9 Capacity: First 8 groups Application Period: From June 1 (Monday) to July 10 (Friday) Participation Fee (Kit Fee): General: 15,000 yen / Local residents: 8,000 yen *Additional entrance fees and lunch costs will apply *Please make your own accommodation reservations. For more information, please visit the Komu website or contact us at the details below. Forest Art Museum "Komu" ☎ 0158-87-2600 Families and adults are welcome to participate. Would you like to create memorable works with woodworking experts? We look forward to your participation.

【Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Trip to Miyoshi! Additional Drive Discount Spots🚙】 A service to enjoy exploring Miyoshi at a great price "Miyoshi Drive Discount" Have you already downloaded the free app? Due to popular demand, six new spots have been added this spring✨ Be sure to grab this reusable coupon and enjoy Miyoshi in a fun and cost-effective way😊 Feel free to share it with your family and friends♪ 🎫Miyoshi Mononoke Museum Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM *Last admission at 4:30 PM Closed: Wednesdays (the following day if a holiday, year-end and New Year) Phone: 0824-69-0111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mononoke0426... 🎫Bistro House TAKIYA Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (LO. 2:00 PM) 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (LO. 9:00 PM) Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 0824-62-7048 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bistro_house_takiya... 🎫Hana Emi Cafe Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Wednesdays, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and Thursdays *Irregular holidays may apply Phone: 090-3220-8736 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingoyasuda... 🎫Kisa 104 Hana Hokkaido Miso Ramen Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays Phone: 0824-43-4410 *Connects to Xa104 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miyosi.kisa104raamen... 🎫Komeyutō Kirin Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Open until 4:00 PM on weekends and holidays Closed: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, Mondays Phone: 0824-65-3188 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maihoumu... *Cash payments only 🎫Cafe Conilia Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (LO. 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays, 3rd Sundays Phone: 0824-63-8717 *Reservations accepted on weekdays only📞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeconiglia...

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for May📣 Hello everyone! Here’s the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in May♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes, with the popular "Ninoya" selling their famous "Ikinari Dango" as well! We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨ 【Scheduled Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Cabbage ・Chiffon Cake ・Potatoes ・Zucchini ・Broad Beans ・Onions🧅 (bulk purchase of irregular items) ・Dekopon ・Bankan (Kiyomi, Amakusa) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】May 10th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Water Offering of Happiness" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was available for a limited time, until May 6.

Sri Lanka Festival is here! Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and Ceylon tea, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, dance shows, and free yoga lessons, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Sri Lanka!✨ Feel like you're traveling locally as you enjoy the food and dance while engaging in international exchange!🌞 【Date】Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th *Postponed to the following week in case of rain 【Time】From 10 AM to 5 PM 【Venue】Kamagaya City Hall Parking Lot 【Other】 ・Free admission ・No parking available, so please use public transportation. 【Planning and Policy Office】 https://srilanka-fes-kamagaya.amebaownd.com//

The vibrant red sunset in Azumino signals the end of Golden Week. Many visitors enjoyed their time in Azumino. 😊 We look forward to welcoming you back in a different season! 😆

It is the season when fresh greenery is dazzling.

In the Misato District of Azumino, the white flowers of the apple orchards are blooming. 😃 According to the farmers, they bloomed about ten days earlier than usual this year. Although they should be at their peak during the Golden Week, the thinning process has already begun, so there are fewer flowers. However, delicious apples 🍎 will be ready in the fall! 😆

Karasugawa Keikoku Ryokuchi Prefectural Park (waterfront area) is also enveloped in fresh greenery! The Karasukawa flows from the surface of Mt. Jonen and Mt. Chogatake in the Northern Alps. In the valley, where the snowmelt water gathers and flows, birds come and go. It's perfect for birdwatching! 😆

【Shibazakura Takinoue Park Information on May 7】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Yesterday, on the 6th, we had to close the park due to fallen trees and power outages. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Today, the park is open as usual. The forecast indicates a high temperature of 15°C. It can get chilly after sunset, so we recommend dressing warmly. The blooming status is about 60% overall, with some areas at 70%. On May 9 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, we will hold a birdwatching event led by local nature guide "Poussin"! Each session will accommodate 20 participants, and participation is free. *Please note that an entrance fee is required. Participants should gather at the information center located in the parking lot. On May 10 (Sunday), a photo seminar titled "Color Expression of Shibazakura" will be hosted by a professional photographer. For those without equipment, Nikon will lend out professional gear, so feel free to join. Children, including elementary and middle school students, are also welcome to participate. Family participation is highly encouraged! We look forward to seeing everyone. *Participation is free, but an entrance fee is required. ------------------------ 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Entrance Fee Adults (high school students and above): 500 yen Group of 10 or more: 400 yen Children (elementary and middle school students): 250 yen Group of 10 or more: 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Photo Seminar #Nikon #Kusao Asano

The "Kane no Naruoka (Bell Hill) Community Center" is surrounded by fresh greenery. It is one of the settings for the NHK radio drama "Kane no Naruoka" that has been broadcast since 1947. Located along the foothills, it offers a very quiet atmosphere. The adjacent park features wisteria trellises and peonies, which are just beginning to bloom. 😄

I walked along the abandoned railway track in Akashina District, Azumino City. The cloudy sky and fresh greenery create a nostalgic atmosphere.😊 At the nearby Ushio Shinmei Shrine, preparations for the "Shibafune" are underway. The grand festival will be held on May 4th and 5th.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplets of Happiness Flower Water" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until May 6.

Oh dear! Already in full bloom? 🌸 This morning, I took a photo of the cherry blossoms at the entrance of Wakin Peninsula. 🌸 Could it be that they are already in full bloom? If you haven't seen them yet, head to the main road at the entrance of Wakin Peninsula soon! 🏃‍♂️💨

This season, starting from Wednesday, May 6th, we have installed a cycle rack next to the entrance on the first floor of Akan Lake Marimukan! Enjoy your cycling life during the green season at Lake Akan Onsen as well!♪

This is also the first year for the indoor exhibition at Tokachi Hills' Umbrella Sky. I remembered seeing something similar somewhere, and that's probably because it resembles an event in a certain location in Fukushima Prefecture.

The Akanko Lake Opening Ceremony 2026 was held on Wednesday, April 29th. Despite the sleet-like weather, many people enjoyed the local specialties of Akanko Lake and a brass band performance by the students of Akanko Municipal Compulsory Education School. Additionally, a Kamui-nomi ceremony was conducted to pray for the safety and prosperity of the event, celebrating the start of the green season tourism in Akanko Lake.

This is the Umbrella Sky (Sakura) at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu, Hokkaido. It is held every June, but this year it started in May. A few days ago, there was a day of strong winds that caused damage, leading to its closure. Although repairs have been made since then, full recovery seems difficult. From June, the colors of the umbrellas will change significantly.

Rokka no Mori, located in Nakasatsunaimura, Hokkaido, is a vast area dotted with small art museums, where wildflowers that change with the seasons will greet you.