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/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support us. (Order is not indicative) This time we introduce Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd.! Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look. Thank you very much to Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd. for supporting this event. We appreciate it! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order varies) This time we feature Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten 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/...

April 3rd The Somei-yoshino cherry trees at Azumino’s scenic spot Jitensha Hiroba have begun to bloom They are still opening here and there It will be delightful to see them in full bloom alongside the pink moss (shibazakura)!

Weekend cherry-blossom guide! Sakura bloom update photographed April 2–3 🌸 1. Denkyu-ji Temple A mix of weeping cherry and Oyama cherry fills the garden in front of the main hall. When the weeping cherry is in full bloom, the garden becomes a sea of blossoms. Bloom status: Full bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 1000 Shinonoi Kinebuchi, Nagano City Parking: Available 2. Kourinji Temple A roughly 300-year-old weeping cherry stands here, and you can also enjoy some Someiyoshino cherry trees. Many visitors photograph the impressive trees alongside the temple. Bloom status: Full bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 2329 ShinonoiKomatsubara, Nagano City Parking: Available 3. Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle was the residence of the Sanada clan. About 100 cherry trees set against the late-Edo castle grounds create a striking sight. Sakura light-up: April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon), 18:00–21:00 Bloom status: 50% bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 44 MatsushiromachiMatsushiro, Nagano City Parking: Available Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 regular cars, 2 disabled spaces Matsushiro Castle North Parking (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 regular cars, 2 disabled spaces 4. Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This battlefield is famous for the clashes between Takeda Shingen and Kenshin Uesugi. About 100 Someiyoshino cherry trees make this a great hanami spot. Sakura light-up: After bloom until April 11 (Sat), 18:00–21:00 Bloom status: 30% bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 1384-1 Kojimada, Nagano City Parking: Available (Park parking is expected to be crowded. Please refrain from parking without permission at nearby facilities.) 5. Shiroyama Park Adjacent to the east side of Zenkoji Temple, this is Nagano City’s premier cherry-viewing spot, with about 470 Someiyoshino trees in bloom. The cherry tunnel at full bloom is stunning! Bloom status: 20–30% bloom ※Photographed April 3 Location: Hakoshimizu, Nagano City Parking: Available Parking 1 (155 spaces), Parking 2 (123 spaces), Parking 3 (155 spaces) 料金: 100 yen for up to 20 minutes, then 100 yen added every 20 minutes ※Visitors using the park or zoo who present the Nagano City Child-Rearing Passport get up to 2 hours free Other: Matsushiro Tojo apricot blossoms On clear days you can view apricot fields with the Northern Alps as a backdrop. You can stroll here with your dog. Bloom status: Full bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: MatsushiromachiHigashijo, Nagano City Parking: Available (free) Other: Roukaku Plum Garden in Shinshu-Shinmachi The white plum blossoms are beginning to fall, but the red plums are still at their best. Enjoy the contrast with the Saikawa River. Bloom status: Beginning to fall ※Photographed April 2 Location: Shinshu Shinmachi, Nagano City Parking: Available ※Free admission to the garden from Sunday, March 22 to Sunday, April 5 ※The Nagano Tourism net website provides sakura bloom information for Nagano City! 🌸Please use it as a reference for your hanami🌸 #cherry blossoms #hanami #bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Introduction to a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Kasane kine sukashi Tsuba Signature Unidentified (Mumei) Kanayama Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size Length 70mm Width 70mm Thickness 4.5mm Period Momoyama period School Kanayama Description The accepted view is that Kanayama tsuba were made around Owari, though some suggest production spanned from Mino into Owari. Their history goes back as far as the mid-Muromachi period, with a heyday during the Sengoku era. The style is somewhat small; the iron ground takes on a pleasing dark tone. The rim sometimes shows pronounced iron ridges and sometimes more gentle ones. Robust and full of character, they have a devoted following. This piece displays fine iron character and attractive rim ridging, making it an excellent example that fully conveys the charm of Kanayama tsuba.

Onsen website "From the Information Desk" updated 📝🆙 The annual event report for "Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen" has been updated ☃️✨ Although snow is already melting in Kawayu Onsen as spring approaches, please take a look.

Welcome to Okinawa Recommended Travel Itinerary 3! Thank you all for your support! Follow us to get early notice of various posts! Day 4: Saturday, February 7 08:30 pono118 09:20 Neo Park 12:50 Ocean Expo Park 18:00 Nakijin Castle 21:30 pono118 Please support me—I have many more sequels coming~

The “Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes,” which began at the end of March, is at about 80% bloom as of April 3. The coming weekend will be the peak, so please come if you have time. Please use the Mihama Town Kitasaigo Community Center Parking and Mihama Town Lake Center Parking. A glittering night at Wakasa Bay’s scenic Mikata Five Lakes—“Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes” debuts! Following last autumn’s well-received “Waves of Light Project in Shoishohama” at Shoishohama Beach, Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture presents a new nighttime light art event that will illuminate Mikata Five Lakes: the “Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes.” Shifting the light art stage from the sea (Shoishohama Beach) to the lakes (Mikata Five Lakes), we will create a dreamlike atmosphere over the night-time lakes. Enjoy the beautiful pairing of shimmering night cherry blossoms and the lakes. Event Overview Event Name Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes Dates and Times Late March to early April (from cherry blossom blooming until the event ends) 6:00 PM–8:00 PM (admission free) Venues In front of Mihama Town Lake Center and Mt. Takeyama Trailhead Hokusaisato Community Center Main Features Cherry blossom light-ups • Cherry trees at the Mt. Takeyama trailhead • Cherry trees at Hokusaisato Community Center Ground-level light decorations • Footlights (on the lawn plaza at Hokusaisato Community Center) • Illuminations (along the lakeside road of Lake Kugushi) Notes Some areas have little lighting. For safety, we recommend bringing a flashlight. Parking is limited, so please be considerate and share spaces. The event may be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances. We cannot accept responsibility for accidents, theft, or other incidents in parking areas, on-site, or while viewing the event.

In 2026, the Gokoichi Bus will continue to run, departing from and arriving at Tsuruga Station and Mihama Station and circling the Mikata Five Lakes. [Service Period] The service operates on weekends and public holidays only from Saturday, April 4, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026. *The bus will also run on some weekdays (Thursday, April 30; Friday, May 1; Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; Monday, August 10; Monday, November 2). [Route] Departing from either Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station, the route calls at sightseeing spots such as Mihama Town Lake Center, Rainbow Line Summit Park, and Jomon Roman Park, and stops at Mikata Station before returning to Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station. Please see the bus timetable for details. *Seat reservations are not available. [Inquiries about buses and service status] Fukui Railway Reinoku Office TEL 0778-21-0712

This is a photo taken at a spot I came across while traveling in the Donan area. Bathed in soft light, it was a moment when my heart eased just a little. In the gentle spring air, ordinary moments felt special, and I felt a serene Japanese calm that made me want to cherish it somehow.

This is a pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is said to represent the cloud motif that serves as Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s crest.

I visited Tokiwa Shrine in Mito ⛩ In the peaceful shrine grounds, cherry blossoms bloom as if covering the sky 🌸 Historic buildings and pale pink hues Truly a spring scene Japan can be proud of May this gentle light and color reach someone’s heart across the sea.

Guide to the Tokachi Obihiro Airport Shuttle Bus 😊 Tokachi Obihiro Airport, the gateway to the Tokachi region, offers regular flights connecting to Haneda Airport ✈️ From the airport to Obihiro city, two bus services operate: a shuttle to Obihiro Station and the city, and a circular route that stops at major hotels—use them when planning your trip 🚌 Please come and enjoy Tokachi, home to thriving agriculture and dairy farming 🤗 https://www.tokachibus.jp/airport/...

🔔 Notice of Completion of Construction on Wakanoura Promenade Construction on Wakanoura Promenade has been completed, and the promenade has been open to pedestrians since the afternoon of April 2nd ✨

This is the pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is said to be inspired by cherry blossoms. 🌸

From a hill above the residential area, you can see many Kawazu cherry blossoms in full bloom, and from the high ground the Tokaido Shinkansen and Suruga Bay also offered beautiful views.

New Chitose Airport ⇔ Obihiro and TokachigawaOnsen Express Bus Information 😊 The Tokachi Milky Liner, an express bus linking New Chitose Airport and Obihiro–TokachigawaOnsen, operates six round trips daily. 🚌 For buses from TokachigawaOnsen to the airport, there are two morning departures at 8:30 and 11:00. From the airport (domestic terminal) to TokachigawaOnsen, three afternoon departures run at 13:00, 14:30, and 17:30. 📣 Please note that passengers boarding at TokachigawaOnsen must make a reservation at least one hour before departure.‼️ You can reach Tokachi and Obihiro, blessed with rich nature, from New Chitose Airport in about 2 hours 30 minutes, so please use this information when planning your trip. 🤗 https://www.obiun.co.jp/bus/index.html...

I attended the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine today. These are the pinwheels in the corridor beside the main hall. The photos were taken in March.

A new fiscal year starts today 🌸 The Nakasendo museums in Nagawacho have also begun their Reiwa 8 fiscal year openings ✨ Please note that Wadashuku Museum has changed its closed days starting in Reiwa 8. Also, Nagawa no Sato History Museum now requires reservations in advance, so please take care. ◎ Wadashuku Museum (Wada-juku Main Camp, Kawachiya, Daikokuya, Obsidian Artifact Museum) ・Opening hours ⇒ 9:00–16:00 ・Closed ⇒ Monday and Tuesday (open on public holidays) Winter period (November 24–March 31 of the following year) ・Admission fees (common) Adults (high school students and older) ⇒ ¥300 Children (elementary and junior high school students) ⇒ ¥150 ◎ Nagakubo-shuku History Museum Ippukudokoro Hamaya ・Opening hours ⇒ 9:00–16:00 ・Closed ⇒ Monday (closed the next day if a public holiday) Winter period (December 1–March 31 of the following year) Special maintenance period (for preparing special exhibitions, fumigation inside the building, etc.) ・Admission ⇒ Free ◎ Nagawa no Sato History Museum If you wish to visit, please make a reservation at least one week before your intended date by contacting Nagawa Town Board of Education, Education Division, Cultural Properties Section at 0268-68-2127. Information on use (website) ⇒ http://nakasendo.nagawa.ne.jp// Inquiries Nagawa Town Board of Education, Education Division, Cultural Properties Section (0268-68-2127) (The photos show Wada-juku Main Camp and Ippukudokoro Hamaya)

Mud play at the “Sky Terraced Rice Fields” with ocean views! 🌿🌊 Join us on Sunday, April 19th for a one-day Rice-Planting Trial Tour—participants wanted! ✨ This special event aims to develop a future hands-on experience program. After planting in this stunning location, everyone will enjoy a delicious lunch together! 🍚🥢 Children and adults alike—come ready to get muddy and have fun 😊 📍 Location: 3315 Shiki, Reihoku (We will send directions to the exact experience site to those who register) ⏰ Time: 10:00–12:00 💰 Fee: 1,000 yen (includes insurance and lunch) Sign up via the link in our profile (Tourism Association website) or the QR code on the flyer! 📲

Most of the blossoms had already finished, but pink cherry blossoms were still blooming! They were so cute 🌸

The shrine, cherry blossoms, and lanterns looked so beautiful—it felt perfectly like spring 🌸