A while ago, I went to Okinawa for a trip. It was so fun that I now have a good idea of what to do. If you’re new to traveling, don’t forget Japanese public transport etiquette. 1. Line up while waiting for the bus or train and follow the rule of letting passengers exit before boarding. 2. After boarding, switch your backpack to a handheld bag or carry it in front of you. If you’re a beginner, I recommend reading more articles about traveling in Japan. Please support me.

A magnificent magnolia was in bloom. Against the blue sky, it really makes a strong impression!

A beautiful weeping cherry tree was in bloom. Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are lovely, but the weeping cherry is lovely too 💓

Pale pink camellia blossoms were blooming beautifully💓 I really like this flower’s color scheme😊

I found a cute purple flower. Pink cherry blossoms are the main attraction at this time of year, but purple ones are lovely too ❤

I found a lovely flower bed in the park on a sunny day. White and yellow flowers are blooming energetically ☺️

The sky over Kushiro, said to be one of the world’s three great sunsets. After checking in, time slows as you take in the view beyond the window. You can’t know the ease of Kushiro until you experience it in person. Its silence and the feeling in the air turn every moment into something special. Enjoy a comfortable stay in pollen-free Kushiro. We also offer high-floor upgrade plans and Golden Week packages. ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja...

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring businesses that support us. (Order is not specified) This time we introduce Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten! 📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten for supporting this event 🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Nagano Prefecture Minami Shinshu Iida Cherry Blossom Report🌸 Spring has arrived in Minami Shinshu again this year🌸 Blooming began earlier than usual this year, and some lone cherry trees are already in full bloom or at their peak. Each tree seems to tell its own story, offering a spring landscape unique to this region. Here’s today’s lineup📷✨ 1. Kuyoto no Sakura (its dignified presence captivates) 2. Yasutomi Sakura (a celebrated tree representing Iida City) 3. Meotozakura (their closeness is heartwarming) 4. and 5. Koubaiin’s red weeping cherry trees (their vivid crimson contrasts with the sky) 6. Unsaizi Temple’s cherry tree (its blooming in silence feels otherworldly) Photo taken: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Target shooting and clock making Friday, March 20 (national holiday) Forest Museum “Mokumu” was bustling with visitors. Wooden craft maker Sasaki Kogei held a clock-making workshop on the final day of the exhibition. At the same time, visitors could try target shooting with wooden toy guns. ⏱ ⏱ ⏱ At the clock-making table, I was surprised by the wide variety of numbers and decorative pieces to stick onto the dials. For some reason, mushrooms were extremely popular among the boys. They glued parts together and hammered in nails to secure them… and in about 30 minutes each person finished an original clock. With batteries set in the back, they really work. One child hugged his finished piece protectively, saying he would display it in his room. 🔫 🔫 🔫 Meanwhile, the target shooting guns were impressive. They can hold six rubber bands at once and fire in rapid succession. Kids who wanted to aim from farther away lay on their bellies on a chair set back a little to take careful aim. They looked just like snipers. The small animal keychain prizes were adorable. Thank you to everyone who came! - Forest Museum "Mokumu" Winter hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission accepted until 16:10 Closed: Every Tuesday Admission fees: High school and older 500 yen 4th grade elementary to junior high 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade elementary 100 yen Under 3 years free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Special exhibition #Forest Museum Mokumu #Sasaki Kogei

Photographed on March 25, 2014. This is Homare-zakura along the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was half in bloom.

Photographed on March 25, 2014. Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store has reached its eighth anniversary since opening. Congratulations‼️㊗️🎉🌈

On a clear day at a nearby Park, beautiful sanzhu flowers were in bloom. The yellow blossoms are lovely too ☺️

Ono City's hanami spot Cherry blossom status at Uchiyama Park ❚ As of March 26, 2026 The cherry trees (Somei-Yoshino) at Uchiyama Park in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. They appear to be about 30% in bloom. Blooming should advance over the weekend. Location: Mie Town, Bungoono City Parking: Available ■■ Access from Fukuoka and Kumamoto prefectures to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

From special-date limited-value accommodation plans to extended-stay plans for a leisurely multi-night visit. Choose from a wide range of stay styles to match how you want to spend your time. Which way will you spend your time? Green season operations begin Saturday, April 25. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

A waterfront town unique to Sakai 🌊 Touch it, play with it, buy it An outdoor fishing gear market 🐟🎣 Date and Time Sunday, March 26, 2026, 10:00–17:00 *In case of severe weather, rescheduled to Sunday, May 3, 2026* Location Sakai Ebishima DOCK (West Side of Kushiyacho Nishi 1-1, West side of Xavier Park – Uchikawa Riverbank, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture) For details, check @knotspotsakai 🐟 Search KNOT SPOT SAKAI 2026 https://www.instagram.com/knotspotsakai/...

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Call 🚢 The cruise ship Regatta is arriving in Kushiro! Passengers will disembark to enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope residents will welcome them warmly with a festive atmosphere 😊 When the ship departs, the Hokkaido Kushiro Ezo Daiko Preservation Society will perform taiko drums to see it off 👋 We look forward to everyone’s participation ✨ *General visitor parking available* Date and time: March 26, 2026 (Thursday) Berthing 8:00 Departure 17:00 Location: Earthquake-resistant Passenger Ship Terminal Local product stalls 10:00–14:00 Farewell performance around 16:40

https://www.sakaihamono.or.jp/matsuri/index.html... Sakai Knife Festival 2026 is coming🔪✨🌸 Two days to experience traditional craftsmanship❕ Exhibitions and direct sales of kitchen knives and gardening shears, sharpening services, traditional forging demonstrations and signature engraving by artisans, and many must-see highlights👀 🍎 We will also hold an apple-peeling contest and cooking shows🍳🥬 With a kids’ plaza and the Sakai Hare-no-Hi Marche, there are plenty of activities for both adults and children to enjoy🍞🍿 📅 Date and time: Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 10:00–16:00 📍 Venue: Sakai City Industrial Promotion Center Event Hall 🎫 Free admission ※ Parking is limited, and the parking lot and surrounding roads will be crowded, so please use public transportation if possible🚉 🔍 For details, search “Sakai Knife Festival”！ 🔗 [Official site URL] https://www.sakaihamono.or.jp/matsuri/index.html...

Photographed on March 25, 2014. Yesterday I went to see the homarezakura (Homare cherry blossoms) along the Shingashi River. Before visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I took a break at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had an oat milk latte and a strawberry doughnut.

From March 1 to March 22, the Ban'ei Memorial Tokachi Support Project “Banba Mori” took place at restaurants across the Tokachi area, and I visited the pork bowl shop Tokachi Butadan in Otofuke Town! Ban'ei horse racing is the world’s only race held in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, where Ban'ei horses compete in strength and grit to pull iron sleds weighing up to one ton. “Banba Mori” is an event featuring limited large-size menu items that weigh more than twice the usual portion. Placed next to a regular pork bowl, it was truly impressive! 😆 When you visit Tokachi, be sure to experience Ban'ei horse racing and taste the region’s signature pork bowl. 🥰 - From March 1 to March 22, the Ban'ei Memorial Tokachi Support Project “BANBA Mori” took place at restaurants across the Tokachi area, and I visited the pork bowl restaurant Tokachi Butadan in Otofuke Town! Ban'ei horse racing is the world’s only race held in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, where Ban'ei horses pull iron sleds weighing up to one ton, testing their power, endurance, and courage. “Banba Mori” offers limited big-portion dishes that are over twice the normal serving size. Compared with a regular pork bowl, it was really striking! 😆 When you come to Tokachi, be sure to check out Ban'ei horse racing and the local specialty pork bowl. 🥰

At the park I sometimes visit with my child, vibrant purple magnolia blossoms were in bloom 😊 Their deep pink stood out beautifully against the blue sky ✨

📍Nokonoshima Island Park, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka Prefecture Nokonoshima Island Park Fukuoka, Japan The rapeseed blossoms are in full bloom, and the contrast between the blue sky and the yellow flowers is delightful. About 500,000 rapeseed flowers reach their peak, creating a striking scene with the blue sea, sky, and yellow blooms. In autumn, the cosmos are at their best. When you reach the ferry terminal, it’s about a 10-minute ferry ride and a 13-minute bus trip. Weekdays / 9:00–17:30 Sundays and holidays / 9:00–18:30

The green season begins on Saturday, April 25. Japan’s largest caldera lake shows a different face in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Which season would you like to visit in? 🌿 Find your own Kussharo. 👆 📍 Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

When it comes to cherry blossoms in Nagano City, this is the place to go! Here are the classic cherry blossom spots to visit 🌸 1. Kourinji Temple You can see a weeping cherry tree about 300 years old as well as many Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. Many people photograph the stately blossoms and the temple grounds. Typical peak season: mid-April Location: 2329 ShinonoiKomatsubara, Nagano City Parking: Available 2. Shiroyama Park Located just east of Zenkoji Temple, this is Nagano City’s top cherry blossom spot, with about 470 Somei-Yoshino trees in full bloom. The tunnel of blossoms at peak bloom is stunning! Typical peak season: mid to late April Location: Hakoshimizu, Nagano City Parking: Available Lot 1: 155 spaces, Lot 2: 123 spaces, Lot 3: 155 spaces 100 yen up to 20 minutes, plus 100 yen for each additional 20 minutes If you present a Nagano City Childcare Passport when using the park or zoo, parking is free for up to two hours 3. Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle, once the stronghold of the Sanada clan, is surrounded by about 100 cherry trees that contrast beautifully with the late-Edo period castle grounds. Cherry blossom light-up: Saturday, April 4 to Monday, April 13, 18:00–21:00 Typical peak season: mid-April Location: 44 MatsushiromachiMatsushiro, Nagano City Parking: Available Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large-bus spaces, 50 regular spaces, 2 accessible spaces Matsushiro Castle North Parking (5-minute walk from the north side): 10 large-bus spaces, 60 regular spaces, 2 accessible spaces 4. Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This battlefield is famous for the clashes between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. About 100 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees make this a popular hanami spot. Cherry blossom light-up: from bloom until Saturday, April 11, 18:00–21:00 Typical peak season: mid-April Location: 1384-1 Kojimada, Nagano City Parking: Available (The park parking lot is expected to be crowded. Please refrain from parking without permission at nearby facilities.) 5. Denkyu-ji Temple In the garden in front of the main hall, weeping cherry and Oyamazakura (mountain cherry) grow together. When the weeping cherry reaches full bloom, the garden fills with blossoms. Typical peak season: early to mid-April Location: 1000 Shinonoi Kinebuchi, Nagano City Parking: Available 6. Tenzōji Temple’s Gassho Cherry Designated a natural monument by Nagano City, the weeping cherry trees flanking the main hall have grown so their branches meet, earning the name “Gassho Cherry.” Typical peak season: late April to early May Location: 74 OokaOtsu, Nagano City Parking: Available 7. Nagano City Hall Sakura Square A lesser-known cherry spot cherished by locals, this relaxing area features garden parasols and chairs. Typical peak season: mid-April Location: 1613 Tsuruga Midoricho, Nagano City Parking: Available (The first hour after entering the parking lot is free, excluding late-night hours) The Nagano Tourism net website shares up-to-date cherry blossom reports for Nagano City! 🌸Use it as a reference when planning your hanami🌸 #cherry blossoms #hanami #nagano #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Isehara Flower Report 2026.03.25 Here is the latest update on cherry blossoms in Isehara City. Cherry blossoms have started blooming across the city, bringing a clear sense of spring. The weeping cherry at Mishima Shrine is blooming beautifully and is now at its best. The cherry trees at Takanoyama Park have largely come into bloom, while those at the Sports Park need a little more time to reach full bloom. Also, the Ooyama cherry is not yet blooming, so we can look forward to its flowers soon.

Near Chikatsuyu Oji Shrine on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route stands the Naganose Family, whose lineage dates back to the Nanboku-chō period. In the old family garden there is a weeping cherry tree that the 19th head of the family, Rokuro Kasamori Nonagase, brought from Gion in Kyoto and planted in April 1747. It rained this morning, but I photographed the tree, which is now about 60–70 percent in bloom. If you walk the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Course, be sure to see this magnificent weeping cherry. I think it will probably be in full bloom around this weekend.

Expo Memorial Park Senri Banpaku Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture Tower of the Sun The park’s symbol, designed by the artist Taro Okamoto. The interior of the Tower of the Sun has been open to the public since March 19, 2018, and visits are still possible now (reservations recommended). Natural and Cultural Gardens · Japanese-style garden Enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. A free public Wi‑Fi service, Osaka Free Wi‑Fi, is available. Expo '70 Pavilion Exhibits materials from the 1970 Osaka Expo. National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) A research institute for ethnology and cultural anthropology. It exhibits and opens information on the societies and cultures of peoples around the world. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Osaka A facility that inherited the Japan Folk Crafts Museum exhibited at the Japan World Exposition. It displays crafts such as ceramics and textiles from Japan and abroad. State Guest House During the Japan World Exposition it served to entertain distinguished guests. It is now used for various meetings, banquets, and exhibitions.

Ongoing events through Golden Week‼ ① Ongoing until supplies last Ihama margaret picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=91181&cat=18736&type=event... ② Ongoing until around May 5 Strawberry picking https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/... ③ March 28–April 5 Yuigahama cherry blossom tour http://www.the-surface.com/event.html#sakura... ④ April 1–May 5 Bamboo shoot picking and the takeno‑ko eatery opens http://takenokomura.com// ⑤ April 3 Irozaki Gongen Festival https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=3725&cat=18736&type=event... ⑥ April 18 and 19 Va'a Japan 4th Japan Cup in Minami‑Izu https://www.vaajapan.com/2026-japan-nationals... ⑦ April 29 Lead-horse riding experience day https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=7746&cat=18736&type=event... Spring in Minami‑Izu features both Somei-yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms, and it also offers abundant sea- and mountain-based nature experiences, so it’s surprisingly hot (exciting) just for that‼ Events across Minami-Izu Town! https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-eventlist&eventlist=18736...

Photographed on March 24, 2014. This is Homarezakura by the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms were about 30% in bloom.