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The soft breeze swayed the fields of spring color stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a scene that made me pause, a sight like that. I was captivated by the gentle hues spreading across this lovely world. 🌸🌷

Today, after visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. I had the hot sandwich set. The hot sandwich was filled with tamagoyaki, bacon, and lettuce, served with a salad of homemade ham and a Fukaya negi potage. After some injuries and a bout of the flu, I treated myself to good food and took it easy.

From March 2026, we will offer e-bike rentals in addition to regular bicycles. Kyonan Town has many routes suited for cycling, and the tourist information centers in front of JR Hota Station and Awakatsuyama Station rent out bicycles, electric-assist bicycles, and e-bikes. Electric-assist bicycles and e-bikes are 1,000 yen each, regular bicycles are 500 yen for two hours, and each one-hour extension costs 100 yen. (For regular bicycles, we collect 1,000 yen in advance and return the difference when you bring the bike back.) You can borrow a bicycle at the information center in front of JR Hota Station and return it to the information center in front of Awakatsuyama Station. We also rent Nordic walking poles for flat terrain at 500 yen per day. Please refrain from using these poles in the mountains.

This photo was taken at Kansui Park in Toyama on April 2, when I traveled to Toyama on a business trip. It feels like a scene from somewhere that isn’t quite a photograph.

One-day unlimited ride pass for Obihiro City buses 😊 Ride all Tokachi Bus city routes all day with no limits‼ Get off wherever you like and transfer as many times as you want 🎵 This value pass is perfect for strolling the town or hopping between sweets shops and cafes 😍 Make it your go-to for sightseeing around Obihiro City 🤗 For details, please check the Tokachi Bus website below. *Please note that airport shuttle buses, intercity buses, and other temporary services are not eligible for use.* 🔶Sales locations: Obihiro Station Bus Terminal Tokachi Bus ticket counter, Tokachi Bus Head Office 🔶You can purchase and use this pass on your smartphone. Download a transit app to make use of it. https://www.tokachibus.jp/obihiro1day/...

The cherry blossoms of Kumamoto Castle, set in the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture, announce spring. These days, foreign visitors and travelers from across Japan come to see them. This year marks ten years since the Kumamoto earthquakes, which also damaged Kumamoto Castle, and restoration work is now progressing at a rapid pace. May the number of visitors continue to grow...

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✨️