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The nanisaki (Naniwazu) flowers have begun blooming on the shores of Utonai-ko (Lake Utonai). Even though the snow has melted, the northern landscape still lacks much green, and the yellow blooms brighten it cheerfully. (Image provided by Lake Utonai Wildlife Center)

Meguro River Night cherry blossoms and the Meguro River, lit crimson by lanterns. The cherry trees in full bloom are still vibrant. In a week, the river will take center stage as petals drift like a floating raft of flowers.

Sumida Park A row of cherry trees at dusk caught my eye, and I stopped at a particularly dark patch among them. Looking more closely, countless pigeons perched on a black tree of twisted branches, with no flowers or leaves. At first glance, it was a little bit like a horror scene. Beneath my feet, fresh green shoots; above, a canopy of pink cherry blossoms; in the distance, the Skytree gleaming in the sunset—and so many pigeons. Although the composition should have felt lively, the image took on an eerie quality, producing a strangely contrasting shot.

Shinobazu-ike Bentendo Temple After the rain, the sky is a striking blue. The cherry trees around Shinobazu Pond are blooming a little later than elsewhere in Tokyo; many blossoms that withstood the wind and rain remain as buds, so they are about 90 percent in bloom. Though the spring breeze shakes the branches, the petals remain strong and vibrant. It’s a scene of spring in full bloom.

Hello. This is Waraji, a Koshu local cuisine restaurant. The news of cherry blossoms already in full bloom arrived earlier than in many other parts of the country, and though it’s the season that makes you feel spring’s arrival, here at Shosenkyo Gorge the trees need a little more time to reach full bloom 🌸 The gorge’s towering rock faces still hold a touch of chill, yet each day brings a gentler hint of spring filling the air. On clear mornings, the crisp air carries the bush warbler’s beautiful song, soothing the heart like a natural soundtrack 🎶 Against the grand scenery, these moments of slowly approaching spring feel like a luxurious experience unique to Shosenkyo Gorge ⛰️ If you feel a bit peckish during your stroll, please drop by our shop 😊 At this chilly time of year, we recommend Yamanashi’s specialty, houtou (thick vegetable noodle stew) 🍲 A gentle bowl brimming with pumpkin, root vegetables, mushrooms, and other plentiful vegetables warms you to the core and eases the heart ✨ Enjoy the comforting taste that soaks into a body chilled by the outdoors. Waiting at our entrance to greet you is Houtou no Tanuchan, our beloved houtou raccoon character, who is eagerly looking forward to meeting visitors 🐻‍❄️ (It’s a raccoon!) Its charming figure is sure to make you want to take a photo 📸 At Shosenkyo Gorge, where spring arrives slowly, come and enjoy a time that warms both heart and body. We sincerely look forward to your visit 🌿

[Notice 📣] The Hokkaido Roadside Stations Stamp Rally 2026 is scheduled to start on Saturday, April 18, 2026 🚗✨ The digital stamp service “MichiRepo” will launch at the same time! The stamp rally book will also go on sale that day 📖 For details, please check the Hokkaido Roadside Stations website ✔️ And… the stamp at roadside station iwanai was renewed the year before last 🐟✨ When you stop by, please take a look at the shop inside the facility 🙏

Photographed on April 3, 2014. These are the weeping cherry trees at Saiunji Temple.

Photographed on April 1, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had an oat milk latte and a strawberry custard tart.

Lured by the warm, sunny weather, I looked down to find bright dandelions in bloom!! These spring flowers have long been beloved in Japan🌼 Their yellow petals shine like the sun, and just looking at them lifts your spirits. The fluffy seed heads getting ready to drift on the breeze also bring a uniquely seasonal sense of charm✨️

Unlimited rides on Tokachi buses! Information on the value-packed VISIT TOKACHI PASS 😊 This great ticket lets you ride Tokachi route buses and the Tokachi Obihiro Airport shuttle as much as you like 🚌 The pass gives you unlimited boarding and alighting on Tokachi area route buses and the airport shuttle, making it a great value 🎵 Enjoy sightseeing across Tokachi, from distant spots like NukabiraGensenkyo and Lake Shikaribetsu to Obihiro’s Manabe Garden and Obihiro Racecourse (Banei Horse Racing). Use it to plan your trip to the fullest 😍 Sit back on the bus, watch Tokachi’s scenery roll by the window, and take a relaxed tour at your own pace. Spend some time just for yourself and savor it fully 🤗 * Residents within the jurisdiction of the Tokachi Subprefecture are not eligible to use this pass. * Intercity highway buses and each municipality’s community buses are not covered by this pass. Please understand this in advance. 🔶 Online sales are also available; please check the Tokachike link below. https://www.tokaticket.jp//

🌈A music event at Daisen Park will take place 🎤 Many food trucks and more will be on site✨ 〈World Heritage Mozu Tombs DAISEN MUSIC FESTIVAL〉 Saturday, April 18, 2026 — DANCE & LIVE lineup Sunday, April 19, 2026 — ARTIST LIVE lineup ⏰11:00 (OPEN) to 19:00 (CLOSE) 📍Large Lawn, Daisen Park (2 Mozu Sekiun‑chō, Sakai Ward, Sakai City) 💰Free admission (some food and drinks charged) For details ➡ @daisen_music_festival

The cherry blossoms on the Hirasogen Plain in Shirahamacho, Wakayama Prefecture are in full bloom. The full moonlight revealed the blossoms, making them appear to float.

Introducing a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Fujikoshi Ryu-zu Tsuba Signature Shohakudo Sunagawa Masayoshi (kao) Certification The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (N.B.T.H.K.) Tokubetsu Hozon Tousogu Dimensions Vertical 78 mm Horizontal 73.4 mm Seppa-dai thickness 4 mm Period Late Edo period School Sunagawa school Description He was the third head of the Sunagawa family and used the art-name Shohakudo. He specialized in plant motifs such as chrysanthemums, orchids, and pines, as well as dragon designs. This work skillfully depicts a dragon crossing Fuji in sukidashi carving, showing high technical ability. The iron has a pleasing texture, and the workmanship is excellent.

For residents of Michihigashi: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026 plan goes on sale!! This spring, why not use and revive at Teshikaga Kawayu Onsen with a great deal? The weekday and Sunday-only “Use and Revive: Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026” plan for residents of Michihigashi went on sale March 23, 2026 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. With the snow melting and spring almost here, stay at Kawayu Onsen this season and revive both your mind and body. 🌸

Kawayu Onsen website 'News' updated 📝🆙 We introduce the Lake Mashu Ice Formation Project for fiscal 2025 and an ice formation forecast report‼︎ Please take a look✨ ※Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation runs an annual Lake Mashu ice formation forecast campaign. This year’s campaign has ended. Please consider joining next year. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/news/1134/...