On Tuesday, May 5th, 2024, the "Kuniyoshi Castle Festival 2024" will be held around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. Experience the Warring States period at this impregnable castle where Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu entered. It's a fun event for both adults and children! Date: Tuesday, May 5th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Venue: Around Wakasa Kuniyoshi History Museum and Tokusho-ji Temple (25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture) Admission: Free In case of rain: The event will proceed regardless of the weather (the stage venue may change to places like Tokusho-ji Temple during rain). Access: 5 minutes by car from Wakasa-Mihama Interchange on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway (approximately 220 free parking spaces available; please follow the guidance of staff). About 3 kilometers from Mihama Station (approximately 20 minutes by rental bicycle) Schedule 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony 9:30 AM Kunimoto Matchlock Gun Research Association (Special Venue) 10:05 AM Sakurai To 10:40 AM Kazane (Ocarina) 11:10 AM Sanshin Group and Shinpū Eisaa 11:40 AM Mihama Jazz Orchestra 12:15 PM Kyoto-Nagaokakyo Omotenashi Bushotai Tsutsuji 12:50 PM Bubu no Hoshitachi (Guitar Performance) 1:20 PM Sunflower (Guitar Performance) 2:00 PM Historical Storytelling 3:00 PM Closing Declaration *Please note that the content and schedule may change without prior notice due to various circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. Merchandise Sales Kyoto-Nagaokakyo Omotenashi Bushotai Tsutsuji Sakurai To Kuniyoshi Association Mini Festival Ring Toss, Super Ball Scooping, etc. Play, learn, and experience the Warring States period! Handwritten castle stamps by descendants of the castle lords Location: Special booth in front of Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Cost: 1,000 yen per stamp Numbered tickets: Distribution starts at 9:00 AM Event Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Walk (Hiking) *Rain or shine Location: In front of Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Departure: 10:00 AM (Expected to finish around 11:30 AM) Registration: 9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Capacity: 50 participants (first-come, first-served on the day) Historical Storytelling (1st Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Lecture for 2024) Location: Special stage at Kuniyoshi Castle Festival Event Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Armor Experience *Cancelled in case of rain Time: All day Cost: Free Location: Museum Learning Room Target: From children to adults Delicious Food Market (Limited stock) Vendor List: Mahana Table, Brick House, Momonji, Tsurukame Deli, Yu vava, Nakanishi Confectionery, Coffee Shop Hygge, Mihama Town Social Welfare Council, Kuniyoshi Association, Funatako Tokusho-ji Temple (Indoor Rest Area) Authentic Shojin Cuisine (from 10:00 AM) Temple Cafe (from 10:00 AM)

Spring arrives at Metasequoia Forest. The winter-bare Metasequoia Forest reveals hints of pink sakura against the blue sky. Finally, spring has come.

Cherry blossom viewing spots in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture 🌸 A breathtaking view that spreads 360 degrees. ・ ・ ✅ Shishigahana Park ◎ 62-2 Ohira, Iwata City ◎ Parking: Available 📷 Taken on April 2, 2026 🌸

Date and Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 *Cancelled in case of rain (no backup date) Venue: Mitsuke-juku Street The "Enshu Daimyo Procession" will faithfully recreate the scene where the feudal lords participating in the Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) stay at the 28th station of the Tokaido, Mitsuke-juku, welcomed by the inn staff, the main inn, and townspeople on Mitsuke Main Street. The "Mai-guruma (Dance Cart) Pulling and Fire Dance" will reenact the story of the Mitsuke Gion Festival. In addition, various performances will be showcased throughout Mitsuke Main Street as a stage. Iwata City tourism ambassadors will also participate in the procession wearing kimonos! *Traffic regulations will be in effect from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM on the day.

"White Breath" Spring has finally begun in earnest. You don't have to go anywhere special; such wonderful spring is blossoming right in your daily surroundings.

"Loneliness Waiting for Spring" The plum blossom, a representative of winter, blooms alone in solitude while everything around it has withered. It is the time for the transition from rain to cherry blossoms. Standing gracefully, it continues to wait, sensing the presence of spring approaching nearby.

"Illuminated in the Margins of the City" Ueno, Shinobazu Pond. Early-blooming petals are visible against the backlight. In the distance, the shadows of buildings loom. Even in this urban setting, spring has brought a beautiful drama.

"Breath of Spring" With my first old lens in hand, I headed to Hikarigaoka Park in early spring. The park was still devoid of blooming flowers. As I strolled, I suddenly felt a gaze from the shadows? There stood a messenger of spring, illuminated by a spotlight. Beyond the fresh green, the bokeh from the old lens sparkled like bubbles of breath. It was spring that could only be captured by an old lens and the latest DSLR.

"Blown by the Spring Breeze" Pink sways in the strong spring wind. I felt the arrival of spring at Shinjuku Gyoen.

I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms in Jinja Hiroba were in full bloom.

The moss phlox and cherry blossoms at Hōzōji Temple in Tochigi City, which have continued since the Heian period, are in full bloom. The colors are wonderful.

We are the Raisin Pandas.

Azumino Cherry Blossom Blooming Information The cherry blossoms at Jōnen Dōsojin are in full bloom. It was chilly in Azumino this morning, but I'm worried about the weather deteriorating starting tomorrow...

Taken on April 4, 2014. This is Homarezakura and Shuyu along the Shingashi River, behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

I visited Osaka Prefecture and Expo Commemoration Park. The cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and tulips in the Japanese-style garden against the blue sky were beautiful in spring colors, and everyone visiting seemed to be having a great time. The Tower of the Sun also shouted, 'Art is an explosion!' (I don't really know though...)

The Tomoe River, flowing through the center of Tochigi City, is famous for its koi nobori (carp streamers). When I visited at the end of March, they were already swimming in the spring breeze.

Event Announcement📣 On May 3rd (Sunday), the "3-Hour Endurance Cycle Race in Sarabetsu" will be held😊 Let's enjoy the first bicycle endurance race of spring on the international circuit of Tokachi Speedway🎵 Challenge yourself to see how many laps you can complete in 3 hours, testing your limits and the bonds of your team‼ You can participate with road bikes, sports cycles, or even regular mom bikes🚲🚲 We look forward to your entries as you create memories during Golden Week🤗 📍Location: Tokachi Speedway (Sarabetsu) 📍Application Deadline: Until April 20th ◆About Entry ①Team (2-3 members) using a timing baton method ⇒ a) Mens (Men only) / b) Ladys (Women only) / c) Mix (Mixed gender) ⇒ Entry fee 9,000 yen (per team) ②Solo (individual) participation is also OK ⇒ d) Expert (Expert) / e) Men (General Men) / f) Lady (General Women) ⇒ Entry fee 7,000 yen (e) General Men / (f) General Women ⇒ Entry fee 6,500 yen (d) Expert JCF/HCF registered participants (please include registration number on the application form) ③Enjoy (& Cosplay) Class ⇒ g) Enjoy (for those who want to enjoy the cycle race regardless of ranking, 1-3 members) ⇒ Entry fee 6,000 yen (no awards will be given) *Please note that during the event, there will be an additional facility entry fee of 1,000 yen for each participant aged high school and above at Tokachi Speedway (free for middle school students and younger). For applications and details, please check the Tokachi Cycle Network website. http://tokachicyclenetwork.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-145.html...

Tsubosaka-dera Temple's Sakura Daibutsu April 4, 2026 It was rainy, so there were reflections. This time, parking at Tsubosaka-dera was completely reservation-based, eliminating traffic, and we were able to smoothly reach the parking lot at the reserved time.

Photographed on April 1, 2014. Behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Honozakura and Funayuu on the Shingashi River.

Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture An airplane takes off right behind Matsuyama Castle, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring. The Seto Inland Sea spreads out behind, creating a beautiful moment.

[Late April] The sacred tree of Kanazakura Shrine, “Kanazakura,” is in full bloom 🌼 An announcement from Shosenkyo’s local mascot, Shosencat 🐱 Kanazakura Shrine is a deeply mystical shrine often called a power spot. The shrine’s sacred tree, Kanazakura, has long been famous in folk songs as the “money-bearing tree, Kanazakura” 😳 People say that if you worship the cherry blossoms at this season and receive a crystal charm, you will be blessed with good fortune for life ♪ Wanting money? You should definitely come, okay? Come to Shosenkyo for a spring or Golden Week outing! We’ll be waiting!

Photographed today, Wednesday, April 8: the wisteria at san remo park. There are white and purple wisteria trellises; the white is in full bloom while the purple has just begun to open. The azaleas are also coloring up, so please take a look if you are nearby. san remo park Address / Wadahaminamicho (next to Atami Port)

Cherry blossom update to help plan your hanami this week! Photographed April 7–8. 1. Pilgrimage Cherry of Shobu (Shobu) An estimated 700-year-old Edo-higan cherry tree. This impressive giant reaches about 18.2 m in height and is well worth seeing! Its name is said to come from its location along an old road connecting Koichi’s ferry crossing to the Togakushi area. Bloom status: Half bloom ( photographed April 7 ) Location: 3991 Kobu, Shobu, Nagano City 2. Korinji Temple A weeping cherry about 300 years old stands here, along with some Somei-yoshino cherry trees. Many visitors photograph the splendid tree and the temple. Bloom status: Full bloom ( photographed April 8 ) Location: 2329 ShinonoiKomatsubara, Nagano City Parking: Available 3. Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle, once home to the Sanada clan, features around 100 cherry trees that beautifully enhance the late-Edo castle grounds. Cherry light-up: April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon), 18:00–21:00 Bloom status: Full bloom ( photographed April 8 ) Location: 44 Matsushiro, Matsudaimachi, Nagano City Parking: Available Municipal Tonnocho Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 cars, 2 accessible spaces Matsushiro Castle North Parking (north side, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 cars, 2 accessible spaces 4. Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This is the famous battlefield where Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin clashed. About 100 Somei-yoshino cherry trees make this a great spot for hanami. Cherry light-up: After bloom until April 11 (Sat), 18:00–21:00 Bloom status: Full bloom ( photographed April 8 ) 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 Located east of Zenkoji Temple, this premier cherry-viewing spot in Nagano City features about 470 Somei-yoshino trees. The cherry tunnel at full bloom is stunning. Bloom status: Full bloom ( photographed April 8 ) Location: Hakoshimizu, Nagano City Parking: Available Parking 1: 155 spaces, Parking 2: 123 spaces, Parking 3: 155 spaces Parking fee: 100 yen up to 20 minutes, then 100 yen added every 20 minutes With a Nagano City childcare passport, park and zoo users get up to 2 hours free 6. Sakura Dote (Arcs) Along the Saikawa near Arcs, about 60 Somei-yoshino cherry trees line the riverbank. Bloom status: Full bloom ( photographed April 8 ) Location: Arcs 1-32, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture (Arcs address) 7. Unjoden Hall Around the cherry slope and scenic roads that lead from behind Zenkoji Temple to Unjoden Hall, about 650 cherry trees bloom in profusion. Perched on a hill, the site offers panoramic views of the city. Bloom status: Full bloom ( photographed April 8 ) Location: 1775 Hakoshimizu 3-chome, Nagano City Parking: Available Visit the Nagano Tourism net web page for ongoing cherry blossom updates in Nagano City! Use it as a reference for your hanami plans. #cherry blossoms #hanami #bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Introduction of Supporting Companies – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes were presented to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Soba Dokoro Fukuzumi‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Soba Dokoro Fukuzumi 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/...

Azumino Cherry Blossom Update Jikkasegi Irrigation Canal running through Azumino The cherry trees blooming along its riverbank are in full bloom The Yamabiko Bicycle Path runs right beside it, so you can enjoy a walk while viewing the blossoms 🚶‍♀️ or a leisurely bike ride 🚴!! This spot is near Toyoshina Nanbu General Park♪

Azumino cherry blossom update The popular Azumino sightseeing spot, Jitensha Hiroba, is in full bloom A trio of cherry blossoms, moss phlox, and fresh green leaves Mt. Jonen in the Northern Alps was partly shrouded in clouds, with the summit briefly visible

The large parking lot at Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino There was a puddle, so I looked in… and the Northern Alps were perfectly reflected!!

Photographed on April 1, 2014. This is Homarezakura along the Shingashi River, behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

A trout farm landscape in Azumino Using spring water from the Northern Alps, cold-water fish farming—most notably Shinshu salmon—thrives here There are fish pens everywhere, and the fish are swimming energetically!!

Why not enjoy spring in Oozora-cho again this year?😊 This year’s Shibazakura Festival is scheduled from Sunday, May 3 to Sunday, May 31. Events will be held every Sunday, so be sure to check them out! The scenery turns pink as far as the eye can see—come and see it for yourself! For details on blooming conditions and more, please check Shibazakura Park’s website and social media.🌸