Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, March 29, a lecture titled “The Path of Naumann’s Elephant Revealed by Ancient DNA” will be held at The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant😊 The genus Palaeoloxodon, which includes Naumann’s elephant, was an extinct group of elephants that once ranged across Eurasia. Last year, a research team including Yamanashi University succeeded for the first time in analyzing ancient DNA from Naumann’s elephant and published their findings in a US scientific journal. We have invited Naoki Kohno of the National Museum of Nature and Science, a member of that research team, to give a lecture on the evolutionary history of Palaeoloxodon across Eurasia and the route taken by Naumann’s elephant. This is a rare opportunity to explore Naumann’s elephant in depth. If you are interested, please register in advance by phone🤗 📍Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM 📍Venue: The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant 📍Capacity: 40 people (first come, first served) 📍Fee: Free (participants may also view the museum’s exhibits free of charge) 🔶Advance registration required by phone: 01558-8-2826 (closed Tuesdays) 📞Contact: The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant, Makubetsu Town TEL: 01558-8-2826 (closed Tuesdays) https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-23045/...

Hello everyone, this is Jewelry Town. Shosenkyo Gorge, a Japan Heritage site, is bathed in the soft light of spring and welcomes a season of crisp, refreshing air🏞️ At Arakawa Dam, early-blooming kanhizakura cherry blossoms have begun to open, giving a sense that spring has arrived🌸 Ride the ropeway up to 1,058 meters and, on a clear day, you can see the distant, beautiful Mount Fuji🗻 Nearby, Jewelry Town stands quietly, where a variety of raw stones, including power stones inspired by the 2026 zodiac sign 🐎, rest peacefully, creating a space that gently comforts the hearts of visitors🤗 Surrounded by the calm of nature, why not take your time and find that one favorite stone in a relaxed moment💎 Enjoy a gentle, peaceful springtime experience that softly colors the season✨ Please do stop by when you can. All of our staff warmly await your visit.

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Hotel Mashu‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi shares a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Hotel Mashu for supporting this event 🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and for Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

♨️Very Popular♨️ Weekday and Sunday-only accommodation discount for residents of Michihigashi, "Kawayu Stay Discount 2026", goes on sale from March 23.✨ The eligible period runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026, so please take advantage of it.🏃‍♂️💨 Kawayu Stay Discount 2026 ・Eligible Dates Weekdays and Sundays between Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026 ※Excluded dates: May 2 to May 5 ・Eligible Area Residents of Michihigashi: Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk, and Tokachi regions ・Participating Properties Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu (members of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) ・Discount Amount Adults: 2,000 yen　Children: 1,000 yen　(no limit on consecutive nights) ・How to Purchase Via each property's official website or by phone The program ends when the budget runs out, so neighbors, please make use of it.

📣 World Heritage Balloon Shuttle Bus Service Begins! 🚌✨ 📍Free sightseeing bus touring Sakai, the World Heritage town with a gas balloon 🎉 From Friday, March 20, you can easily hop between Daisen Park, where a gas balloon offers sweeping views of the Mozu Kofun Group World Heritage site, Sakai Risho no Mori, which exhibits items related to Sen no Rikyu and Akiko Yosano, and Old Sakai Port, a famous sunset spot! 👀 Make sightseeing in Sakai freer and more comfortable. Please take advantage of this service💕 ■ Service period: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from March 20, 2026 to March 31, 2027 ■ Operating hours: 9:00–18:00 (about one round trip per hour, eight trips per day) ■ Stops: ① Sakai Old Port Porto Mare (Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai) ② Sakai Risho no Mori ③ Mozu Kofun Group Visitor Center ■ Fare: Free From March 20 to 22, the loop-style event Himo Tokeba Sakai 2026 – OSAKA SAKAI EXPO – will be held, letting you experience the charms of Sakai. On the 20th, MYAKU-MYAKU will also appear in Daisen Park. Why not ride the shuttle bus and easily visit experience programs, gourmet food, and the stamp rally? 🚩 For information about Himo Tokeba Sakai, visit this URL 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435... 🔍 For details, search for "World Heritage Balloon Shuttle Bus"! 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/106...

Six certified geoparks in Hokkaido and one aspiring geopark—a total of seven regions—gather at Shin-Sapporo Sunpiazza! Each geopark will showcase its attractions through hands-on experiences and local product sales. Engaru Town will participate as Shirataki Geopark and, with a paid 500-yen "obsidian keychain making" experience, hopes to share the allure of obsidian formed by ancient Earth activity. This geopark exhibition features lots of events like a "Geo Quiz Rally!" and workshops. Spend two days feeling the various gifts created by Earth’s activity—come visit the venue! Venue: Shin-Sapporo Sunpiazza, 1st floor Hikari no Hiroba (Chuo 2-jo 5-chome, atsubetsu ward, Sapporo City)

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is the flower-filled temizu basin at Naka-in Temple. Until March 29, Kawagoe is holding the Kawagoe Flower Temizu Layered Stamp Rally.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. I took a different-angle shot of the hanachōzu (floating flower basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Enjoy beautiful floral scenery! Spring event information✨ 1. Matsushiro Spring Festival About 100 cherry trees bloom at the Matsushiro Castle Ruins. The sakura light-up at Matsushiro Castle Ruins is a must-see! Venue: Matsushiro Castle Ruins Sakura light-up: April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Parking: Available (free) Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 standard cars, 2 spaces for disabled drivers Matsushiro Castle North Parking Lot (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 standard cars, 2 spaces for disabled drivers 2. Kawanakajima Battlefield Santachi Sakura Festival At the famous cherry blossom spot of Kawanakajima Battlefield, the event features a sakura light-up and paper lantern illumination during the period. Plenty of activities are arranged for visitors of all ages! Venue: Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Site Park Sakura light-up: From blooming until April 11 (Sat), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Parking: Available (free) (Park parking lots are expected to be crowded during the period. Please refrain from parking without permission at nearby facilities.) 3. 24th Matsushiro Hina Festival Various hina dolls from different eras are exhibited at cultural property facilities across Matsushiro Town. Enjoy a traditional castle-town style hina festival. Venue: Cultural property facilities, public facilities, and shops in Matsushiro Town Period: March 3 (Tue)–April 3 (Fri) Parking: Available (free) (Please use municipal parking lots in town.) 4. Shinshu Matsushiro Tojo Apricot Festival On clear days you can take in a full view of apricot flower fields with the Northern Alps as a backdrop! You can also stroll with your dog. Venue: Matsushiro Town Tojo Iwasawa Amusement Park Period: March 28 (Sat)–April 6 (Mon) (scheduled) Parking: Available (free) 5. Rokaku Plum Garden Flower Festival This is the earliest flower festival in the Hokushin Region. The Genghis Khan barbecue area is very popular every year! Venue: Rokaku Plum Garden Period: March 28 (Sat) 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, March 29 (Sun) 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Parking: Available (free), 100 spaces #Event #Sakura #Light-up #Nagano City #Nagano Sightseeing

🌸 Hike the highest peak of Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, and enjoy a spectacular azalea walk! 🌸 On Sunday, April 19, join the “Spring Tenjiku Azalea Walk for Health”✨ The setting is Tenjiku, the highest peak on Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, located in Reihoku. At this time of year, the summit greets visitors with azaleas in full bloom. The contrast between fresh green leaves and the azaleas creates a truly breathtaking view! Would you like to walk an out-and-back course of about 11 km while feeling the pleasant spring breeze? After descending, a tasty onigiri boxed lunch included in the participation fee will be waiting for you🍙 This event is limited to the first 100 people. Bring your family and friends and enjoy spring in Amakusa together! 🎁 This event qualifies for Kumamoto Health Points (20 points). 📅 Event Details 〇 Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 [Registration] 8:30 AM – [Departure ceremony] 9:30 AM ※Held in light rain; canceled in heavy rain 〇 Meeting place: Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School (site of Kiba Elementary School) 📍 Search Google Maps for “Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School” 〇 Course: Approx. 11.0 km round trip 〇 Participation fee (includes onigiri boxed lunch and insurance) ・Elementary school age and older: 1,000 yen ・Preschool children: Free (boxed lunch can be ordered separately for 500 yen) 〇 Capacity: First 100 applicants 〇 Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM 👉 How to apply Please apply through the application form on the homepage linked in the profile URL. We look forward to your participation!

Sword Exhibition and Sales Notice katanaza2026 One of western japan’s largest exhibitions and sales events for art swords and sword fittings will take place at Shiromi Hall in Osaka-jo Hall. Sword dealers from across the country will gather, displaying renowned swords and masterpieces. ■ All swords and related items displayed and sold at the venue come with official registration certificates, so anyone may purchase them. Buyers should bring photo ID (driver’s license, health insurance card, etc.). (Sales to minors are not permitted.) Wakeido will also have a booth. Please come by in this glorious spring season when the cherry blossoms are beautiful. Venue: Osaka-jo Hall, Shiromi Hall Address: 3-1 Osaka-jo, Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002 Dates: Saturday, March 28, 2026 and Sunday, March 29, 2026 (two days) Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Admission: On the day: 1,000 yen Advance at Lawson: 900 yen (L code 55755) https://katanaza.jp//

This is Suigo Sawara Ayame Park. Enjoy wisteria, irises, and lotus blossoms from spring through summer. We look forward to your visit.

From Hirakiso Plateau, a popular resting spot for Shirahamacho residents, you can see the Milky Way; the large red star is Antares in Scorpius. Its diameter is about 700 to 800 times that of the Sun, and it lies roughly 550 to 600 light-years from Earth. That means the light we see now left the star 550 to 600 years ago. Hirakiso Plateau is dotted with many cherry trees, and soon it will bustle with crowds enjoying the blossoms.

Hello everyone. This is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On March 6–7 (Friday–Saturday), we held a joint product fair with Kikuchi City at the farmers’ market "grape vineyard" in Minami Ward, Fukuoka City. Products representing the proud flavors of Kumamoto Prefecture’s mountains and seas gathered in Fukuoka for a lively event. ■ Collaboration: Kikuchi’s Mountains × Reihoku’s Sea At this product fair, we sold Kikuchi City’s delicious rice and agricultural produce alongside a wide range of seafood and processed goods nurtured by Reihoku’s abundant sea. ■ Interaction with the local community We were able to introduce Reihoku’s food appeal to many food-minded visitors to grape vineyard, and the experience was very meaningful for our staff. Beyond sales, visitors showed interest in Reihoku’s scenery and travel attractions, and we feel the emotional distance between Fukuoka and Reihoku has grown a little smaller. Also, on the first day, Friday, March 6, kumamon came to cheer us on, which thrilled the crowd 🐻 ■ Thank you Thank you very much to everyone who attended and to the staff of grape vineyard for providing the venue. Through events like this, we will continue to bring Reihoku’s delicious flavors and excitement to the whole country. Look forward to our next event!

#Unraveling Sakai: Ohtori Taisha Main Hall One‑Lap Guided Tour⛩️✨ Usually you can only worship the main hall from the front, but this time you can view it from the sides and even from the rear… Join a rare guided tour that lets you walk all the way around the main hall while offering prayers! This is a luxurious chance to hear a direct explanation from the gonnengi (senior shrine assistant) about the main hall and the sacred gate, which were newly designated tangible cultural properties by Sakai City in April 2025. After feeling the weight of history up close, you will receive a tour‑exclusive “seasonal goshuin” (seal) 🌸 Spend a special moment in the serene atmosphere of the sacred precincts. 📅 Dates and times: ・Friday, March 20 — 11:00 AM ・Saturday, March 21 — 2:00 PM 📍 Meeting place: Ohtori Taisha Ema‑do Hall 💰 Participation fee: ¥1,500 (includes the seasonal goshuin; cash only) ✅ No reservation required (about 30 people per session; first come, first served on the day) 🔍For details, search “Unraveling Sakai 2026”! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

Today Tokachigawa Onsen is a bright, cloudless blue-sky day 🌞 The temperature is expected to rise to 10℃. The Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center gathers many pamphlets and flyers about events and tourist information across Tokachi, so please come by! We look forward to seeing you 😊 - Today Tokachigawa Onsen is a cloudless, sunny day 🌞 The temperature is expected to climb to 10℃. The Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Information Center stocks many brochures and promotional materials about activities and travel information in the Tokachi region—please feel free to visit! We’re waiting for you 😊 - Today is a clear blue day at Tokachigawa Onsen with no clouds 🌞 The temperature is expected to reach 10℃. The Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center has many pamphlets about events and tourist information in the Tokachi area, so do stop by! We’re looking forward to your visit 😊 - Today Tokachigawa Onsen is cloudless and bright, with clear blue skies 🌞 The temperature is forecast to rise to 10℃. The Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center collects plenty of pamphlets about Tokachi’s events and tourist information, so please come and visit us! We are waiting for you 😊

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Untying Sakai — Discover Even More: A “Shinto Ritual × Sumo” Tour Experience 🤼‍♂️⛩️ Did you know about the deep ties between shrines and sumo? Join a guide as we unravel how every sumo ritual—from the shiko leg stamps to the sonkyo squat—connects with Shinto ceremonies. On the day, you’ll also get to tour a training area that’s usually off-limits! ✨ (This is not an observation of live practice, but you will feel the atmosphere of the dohyo up close.) All participants receive a goshuin shrine stamp and a sumo ranking banzuke that fans will love! 🎁 For two days only, official merchandise from the Osaka Spring Tournament will also be on sale. 📅 Date and time: ・Friday, March 20 (holiday) 2:00 PM ・Saturday, March 21 11:00 AM 📍 Meeting place: Ohtori Taisha Ema-do Hall 💰 Fee: 1,500 yen (includes goshuin and banzuke — cash only) ✅ No reservation required (about 30 people per session, first-come, first-served) 🔍 For details, search “Untying Sakai 2026”! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

#Unraveling Sakai: Try Traditional Techniques! Wagashi Making Experience🍡 Learn authentic wagashi (nerikiri) making from Sakai artisans. Handcraft two confections: one seasonal wagashi and one inspired by the Expo. Take your freshly made sweets home. Why not create your own little work of art? Children are very welcome to join! 📅 Date and time: Friday, March 20 (national holiday), and Sunday, March 22 ⏰ Sessions: 1) 13:00– / 2) 14:30– (about 60 minutes each) 👨‍🍳 Instructors: ・March 20: Mr. Maeda, Sakai Hosen Confectionery Shop ・March 22: Mr. Takada, Hamadera Soka An Minoya 📍 Location: Sakai Risho no Mori lecture room 💰 Fee: 500 yen (cash only) ✅ No reservation required (10–15 participants per session, first-come, first-served on the day) ※ Children below third grade in elementary school must be accompanied by a guardian 🔍 For details, search for "Unraveling Sakai 2026"! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

[Shooting Gallery and Woodworking at Komu] See, touch, play with, and create the warmth of wood Announcement from Forest Museum “Mokumu”📢 From the start of 2026 we have displayed works by the wooden craft maker Sasaki Kogei, based in Nagayama, Asahikawa City, in the museum showcases. On the final day of the exhibition, Friday, March 20 (national holiday), we will hold a shooting gallery event using wooden rubber-band guns and a woodworking workshop🎉 〇 Wooden Rubber-Band Gun / Shooting Gallery Time ▶ 10:00–15:00 Fee ▶ Free (up to 20 people) After 20 people or from a second play, 500 yen per round ※One round = five shots 〇 Wooden Clock Making (same-day registration, first-come, first-served) Time ▶ ① 11:00– ▶ ② 13:00– Fee ▶ Free (up to 10 people per session) ※Preschool children must participate with a guardian Assemble the parts with nails and a hammer, decorate with colored pencils, and you’ll have your own original clock🛠️ No advance registration is required for either activity. Museum admission to Mokumu is charged separately. On the 20th, Sasaki Kogei will also sell wooden crafts, so please come and join us. We look forward to your visit to Mokumu. - [Forest Museum “Mokumu”] Winter opening hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission accepted until 16:10 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 Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Special exhibition #Forest Museum Mokumu #Sasaki Kogei

Himo Tokeba Sakai: Tsuruya Musical Instruments Shamisen Performance 🪕✨ Experience again the thrill that wowed audiences on the stage of the Osaka-Kansai Expo! Tsuruya Musical Instruments (@tsuruya_music_instruments) presents a breathtaking shamisen performance at three locations around the city. Enjoy traditional tones and a unique performance honed on the global stage of the Expo. Savor resonant music and lively conversation set against the charm of each venue. We’ll bring you a luxurious moment in special spaces, from a historic tea room to an observation lobby overlooking Sakai. 📅 Dates and times: March 20 (Fri, public holiday)–March 22 (Sun) 📍 Venues: ・sakai city tea room shin-an ・Sakai Risho no Mori ・MI-TE Sakai (Sakai City Hall 21st Floor Observation Lobby) *Times and venues vary by day. 💰 Admission: Free (*Performances at shin-an and Risho no Mori take place during tea sittings; a separate tea service fee applies.) ⏰ Program: Performance & talk (about 20 minutes each; three shows per day) 🔍 Search “Himo Tokeba Sakai 2026” for more details! 🔗 Check the special site via the link in the profile https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support this contest. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Fugetsudo Confectionery‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi shares fun and delicious information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Fugetsudo Confectionery 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/...

Event Notice 📣 March 22 (Sunday) only! Special opening of Banei Tokachi Farm! Aligned with the top-tier showdown “Banei Kinen” at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse, Banei Tokachi Farm will be specially open for one day only 😊 The farm raises many ban'ei horses, and you can see them up close. Be sure to see the lively ban'ei horses before watching the “Banei Kinen” 🤗 📍 Date and Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Last admission at 1:30 PM) 📍 Admission: Junior high school and older: 700 yen, Elementary school: 300 yen, Preschool children: Free https://baneibokujo.co.jp/news/news_27.html...

Photographed on March 1, 2014. These are the Kawazu cherry trees at Kita-in.

[🧸For Sakuho town residents only🧸] Montbell annual membership fee Normally 1,500 yen, but the Sakuho Town Friend Card lets town residents join for 1,000 yen✨ As a member, you will receive benefits such as ・Earning points on purchases ・Receiving the member magazine OUTWARD ・Discounts at partner facilities ・Event information and more. This is recommended not only for outdoor enthusiasts but also for those who want to get started🌿 🔽Join or Inquire🔽 Visit Montbell Sakuho Store inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen

Unraveling Sakai SAKAI EXPO Stamp Rally is here!🌸 The official pavilion stamps are coming to Sakai!✨ Bring the limited "Stamp Passport" and explore Sakai in spring. Collect five or more eligible stamps to receive an exclusive "MyakuMyaku × Haniwa-Bucho" collaboration pin badge you can only get here!🎁 (Conditions apply, limited quantities) Enjoy a special month in Sakai filled with EXPO excitement. Stamp availability varies by location, so please check the special site before you go🔍 📅 Period: Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 31 📍 Stamp locations: Sakai Risho no Mori, Moz Kofun Group Visitor Center and 10 sites across the City Area 💰 Participation fee: Free (some facilities require an admission fee) ✅ For pin badge pickup conditions and details… Be sure to check the profile link for "Unraveling Sakai 2026"! https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

＼ ˗ˏˋ Everyone, thank you for waiting!! 📢⚡ ˎˊ˗ ／ Bike rentals will begin on Wednesday, April 1, 2026! 🚲💨 Reservations are accepted by phone or email📲💻 We look forward to many of you using the service!! 😊✨

Photographed on March 15, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store.