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"The Sotomo Strait and Monji-gasaki illuminated by the morning sun, with the silhouette of the Kanmon Bridge" Photographed: July 22, 2024 Monji-gasaki is located on the Kyushu side of the Sotomo Strait, the narrowest part of the Kanmon Strait, where Kyushu, as an island, is closest to Honshu. At the tip, there is the Hesaki Lighthouse, which combines the morning sun, the tidal currents at your feet, and passing ships, making it one of the photo spots in the Kanmon Strait. This favorite shot taken from the Karato side of Shimonoseki City, capturing the morning at the gateway to Kyushu, was submitted to the 22nd NEXCO West Japan Photo Contest and was awarded the Grand Prize in the Best Shot category for highways. (It was also used in the calendar distributed by NEXCO West Japan, made from award-winning works, for September of last year (2025).

Taken on May 19, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a chai latte and a chocolate terrine. The chocolate terrine is said to be very popular.

Taken on May 19, 2014. This is the pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Some of Japan’s hidden gems are not places — but quiet moments noticed by the right people.

The Railway Museum is super fun.

They love to eat dango.

En said he likes it.

The Tower of Siblings

Japanese food is incredibly delicious.

My child and the underground passage

Kyō and Bird

All of Hokkaido's "deliciousness" is here. Perfectly roasted beef with exquisitely melted Gouda cheese. Local ingredients like Mashu Soba and Mashu Udon are also abundant. In the morning, enjoy a tasting of three types of milk, and a "sashimi bowl" featuring fresh seafood over steaming hot rice. Add some mountain wasabi for extra flavor. There's also a nostalgic sweet omelet. 🍓A strawberry fair is currently being held (until 5/31). The most enjoyable part is deciding what to eat first. You can make reservations from the profile. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Photographed on May 19, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

In search of the fresh leaves of May, I visited the tea-producing area of Ono, the Fujigouchi Tea Garden. If you listen closely, you can hear a singing voice from somewhere… "As summer approaches, on the 88th night, young leaves flourish in the fields and mountains. Is that tea being harvested over there? Wearing a red and white checkered apron and a hat made of bulrushes." Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Introducing stores where you can enjoy matcha around Zenkoji Temple✨ <If you want to look back later, don't forget to tap the "save mark!"> 1. Saryo Itoen Zenkoji Store Opened in March 2023! This Japanese cafe, located east of the main hall of Zenkoji, offers matcha and carefully selected sencha, presenting the charm of Japanese tea in line with modern lifestyles. 【Location】East side of Zenkoji main hall (East Park) 【Hours】9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 【Other】Eat-in space available 2. Sukiya Naito Toukiten @sukiya.naito.toukiten You can enjoy a casual matcha-making experience near Nagano Station, even if it's your first time! There are courses available without reservations, making it convenient to use during your sightseeing breaks. 【Hours】10:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays) 【How to Apply】 ・Phone reservations available (026-227-7110) ・Web reservations available through Jalan.net *There are also courses available without reservations. 【Duration】About 30 minutes 【Parking】None (there are paid parking lots nearby) *Parking service tickets for the first parking lot will be issued for customers who spend over 2,000 yen. 【Experience Fee】Course with fresh sweets 2,000 yen (tax included) *Please check the official website for details. 3. Fujita Kyuemon Shop Here, you can enjoy koi-shaped taiyaki and matcha, not the usual tai. The koi-shaped taiyaki made with seasonal ingredients is popular. They also offer rare matcha, and the matcha brewed on-site by the owner is exceptional. 【Phone Number】026-219-2293 【Hours】6:30 AM - until sold out *Winter hours (December to February) 7:00 AM - until sold out 【Closed】Irregular holidays 4. CHAYADO 108 @cha_yado_momoya This cafe, which offers matcha, is a guesthouse run by the popular sweets shop "centotto gelato" located in Shinanomachi and Nagano Station Building. You can spend a calm time in a quiet atmosphere with soft light filtering through wooden lattice and a focus on space. 【Phone Number】026-217-2608 【Hours】9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last order at 6:00 PM) 【Closed】None 【Parking】None 5. Chokien This long-established shop is dedicated to "family recipe fire-roasted tea." Their soft serve ice cream, bavarois, and sweet red bean soup made from tea are highly praised. 【Phone Number】026-232-2511 【Hours】9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Weekdays) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 【Closed】Irregular holidays <Zenkoji Food Walk Ticket> This is a great ticket that allows you to choose and purchase your favorites from 19 stores offering Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to Use✨ 1. Purchase the ticket [1,000 yen each (tax included)] 2. At participating stores listed in the pamphlet, exchange the stickers attached to the ticket (100 yen x 8, 50 yen x 4) for products 3. Exchange the used ticket for a prize (get an original bag!) You can enjoy a little bit of various stores' flavors at a lower price than usual, making it perfect for a food walk✨ For more detailed information, please check the highlights (@nagano_cvb)! #Matcha #Sweets #Food Walk #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism