Social media posts by our community

Taken on May 23, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Hirasawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. This is a quiet sea in Japan that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. From late spring to early summer, a special scenery appears in this sea. A forest of seaweed extending to the water's surface. A gently swaying green world. Soft light filtering through. It feels as if a forest is spreading underwater. As you quietly swim between the seaweeds, small blue fish appear. In the shadows of the rocks, small lives grow in the spring sea. These seaweed areas are called "moba" in Japan. They are important places where many fish and marine creatures live. From spring to early summer, it is also the spawning season for the bigfin reef squid. The changing scenery of the sea with each season is one of the charms of Japan's waters. The sea of Hirasawa is a bit different from the tropical seas of Okinawa. It lacks flamboyance. However, it possesses a quiet beauty. Light filtering through the seaweed. A time when only the sound of waves can be heard. The slowly flowing underwater scenery. You can feel the gentle air typical of Japan's nature. At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer guidance centered around the sea of Kanagawa and Izu, which can be enjoyed as a day trip from the Tokyo area. With a small group, even beginners can feel at ease. English support is also available. Experience the time of Japan's sea that cannot be encountered just by visiting tourist spots. It is recommended for those looking for "an experience in Japan that is more than just diving." Related Keywords: Hirasawa Diving / Nishi-Izu Diving / Izu Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

Hello, this is Crystal Sound! ✨ Shosenkyo Gorge is beautifully lush and welcoming a refreshing season. 🌿 Recognized as a Japan Heritage site, Shosenkyo Gorge is also a popular tourist destination known for its power spots. ⛰️ Surrounded by magnificent valleys and rich nature, just walking through it brings peace to the heart. 🍃 The area features shops selling natural stones and various dining options, making it easy to stroll around. ♪ Be sure to try Yamanashi's specialty "Hōtō" as well! 🍲 Why not spend some relaxing time in Shosenkyo Gorge, abundant in negative ions, to rejuvenate from your daily fatigue? ✨ May's birthstone is the "emerald." 💎 This natural stone is captivating with its deep and beautiful green color. Its meanings are: 🍀 "Luck" 😊 "Happiness" ❤️ "Love" 🌟 "Hope" 🌿 "Healing" In the store, you can explore emeralds and natural stones from around the world. ✨ Perhaps you will encounter the perfect natural stone for you right now. 💍 We invite you to visit Shosenkyo Gorge! 🚗✨ All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you. 😊

Taken on May 23, 2014 (Heisei 26) or May 23, 2044 (Reiwa 26). This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The large-flowered erythronium at Fureai Forest in Bansei is in full bloom! You can see the large-flowered erythronium blooming in the "Fureai Forest" along the way to Horokayanto from Bansei Onsen. Be sure to visit this natural flower field where you can experience the beauty of spring! For tourist information about Taiki Town, click here! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Taken on May 25, 2023. This is the floral water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

A short train ride from Tokyo leads you to a peaceful seaside experience. This time, I visited Zushi in Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a popular beach for day trips near Tokyo. The previous day was closed due to strong winds. Excited to see how the sea has changed, I headed to Zushi in the morning. Upon entry, a clear blue underwater world awaited. Countless damselfish. Sardines and mackerel swimming while reflecting the light. Schools of fish filled the water. The scenery was unlike anything you'd expect near Tokyo. But the charm of Zushi's sea doesn't stop there. Looking down a bit reveals a small world beginning. A goby hiding in the rocks. Colorful sea slugs. As I searched slowly, new discoveries came one after another. What impressed me most was the moment I saw a Sagami ryugu sea slug riding on a scorpion fish. Just a few seconds of a small event. Yet, such serendipitous scenes remain as memories of the sea. Time spent observing the schools of fish. Time spent looking for small creatures. In the same sea, you can enjoy completely different experiences. That's the allure of Zushi's sea. After diving, I had lunch at a local diner. The calm air after returning from the sea is one of the joys of traveling in Japan. A glimpse of another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo. A tranquil world by the sea, right near the city. Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are welcome. Why not experience a "day by the sea" during your trip to Japan? 【Related Keywords】 Tokyo Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Zushi Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

The Akanko Forest Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA 2026 season will grand open today, May 26th (Tuesday)! This season, enjoy the world of sound and light inspired by folk tales that color the forests of Lake Akanko!♪ https://www.kamuylumina.jp//

The non-flying airplane and local train The Sangi Railway Hokusei Line, one of the few narrow-gauge railways in Japan today. Along the line, seasonal flowers bloom, making it a popular railway, but the point about the non-flying airplane is a place known only to a few. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture April 2026

The "Jugo Shrine's Camphor Tree" is over 600 years old, with a trunk circumference of 13.5 meters and a height of 20 meters. It is a natural monument in Wakayama Prefecture and the largest tree in the Kinki region. Although it no longer exists, my childhood home was near this tree. There was an elementary school right next to it, and my grandfather, father, myself, and my two daughters are all graduates of this school, growing up under the watchful eye of this great tree. This tree has endured significant damage from typhoons and lightning, yet it remains alive today.

Today, I am exploring Tokyo. It's an oat milk latte and a banana chocolate donut. 🍌

A blue paradise spreads just beside the residential area of Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture. What lies ahead, pointed out by a finger, is a small yet unknown thrill. This city offers a unique scenery that can be encountered in everyday life.

Taken on May 25, 2014. I found white hydrangeas at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

View of the Kanmon Strait from Chofu This is near the end of Sangenyakaigan in Chofu In the distance, you can see Kojozan (Moji Castle) and the Kanmon Bridge Since I haven't visited recently, the rocky shore in the foreground may have been beautified further Although it may not be a picturesque landscape, it's a place I personally like, and I thought this was a "great shot" I submitted this photo to the 15th KenCon Photo Grand Prize organized by JCCA (Japan Civil Engineering Consultants Association) and was selected for a special award.

Crimson Clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture After the temporary evacuation was lifted due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the deteriorated farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, it is said that the fertility of the farmland is restored. A photo of the entire field in bright red gradually spread on social media, and this initiative started to gain media attention. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village collaborated to establish photo spots (three locations) with the help of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to boost tourism. If you take photos at the three locations and show them at Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to visit next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea before going. I participated in the photo tour organized by Tokyo Camera Club this time. It was held with the full cooperation of Katsurao Village, and I was moved by the warmth of the villagers. Please be sure to visit Katsurao Village.