The Mongolian Folk Museum, with its larger-than-life mounted Mongol Warrior outside, is one of the surprises of the Sea of Japan coast. Inside, visitors can go inside yurts that accurately recreate nomadic life, see a variety of historical artifacts, and even try on Mongolian folk clothing inspired costumes. It is fun to have your picture taken wearing exotic and luxurious feeling clothing, and the pictures make for good memories! Hands-on activities, such as playing nomad instruments, are also available. Children may especially enjoy crafting a toy sheep out of Mongolian wool. They look like adorable little puffs! A reading corner featuring children's books with a Mongolian setting is also available. Adults may get more enjoyment out of the displays of weapons and historical insights, but there are cute crafts available as souvenirs that anyone can enjoy. Interestingly, the museum also has a look at the region's own local history, offering insight into daily life for the average resident, as well as a broader look at the region's history as a hub of silk manufacturing and its subsequent decline. The collapse of the silk industry and the attendant emigration from the Sea of Japan coast is a seldom-told story, and finding it in a Mongolian Folk History Museum is a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

Local TV Introduces New Village Residents At Nishiokoppe Village Hall there is a department responsible for the village network and IT equipment setup. They also handle event filming and produce a TV program broadcast only within the village. Its name is NCN. They call it that using the initials of Nishiokoppe Communication Network. I hadn't had many chances to visit the production site, but on April 1st I was able to attend the filming introducing new residents who started using municipal facilities this fiscal year. In Nishiokoppe Village, every newcomer is asked to give about a one-minute self-introduction, and those videos are broadcast on the village TV program. (I was filmed soon after I became a villager, too.) When you open the door marked "Studio," you find a room fully equipped for filming. New residents sit in front of the cameras and lights and talk about why they came to Nishiokoppe Village and their hobbies. That day several shoots overlapped, and three cameras surrounded the staff operating a video camera—a shoot full of cameras. NCN airs the same content for one week from Thursday through the following Wednesday. Not only in villagers' homes, but you can actually watch it in guest rooms at Hotel Rimu as well. You can also request and view past footage, so the broadcast helps people look back on their children's growth. When a large group gathers at someone's house, a nostalgic viewing party can suddenly start with footage from those days, which is always fun. Please continue to film around the village! #Village TV Broadcast #NCN #New Resident Introductions #TV Filming

Photographed on April 1, 2014. These are Homarezakura cherry trees along the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Cherry blossom showers were swirling. 🌸

⚠️Notice of Road Closure Harris Trail is closed due to a landslide and has been inaccessible since April 6. The reopening date is undecided. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Spring Has Arrived This is a view of Suijin Shrine from the back. It looked beautiful no matter which angle I saw it from~~♪

Peeking at Spring I took a quick peek at the cherry blossoms on Nakasu, a short walk from Suijin Shrine.

It is precisely because of the cloudy sky that the delicate pink of the cherry blossoms stands out 🌸 the deep green of the willows 🌳 their reflections on the water seem to weave a story…

[Fukushima’s Peach Blossom Paradise] This is "MtHanamiyama" in Fukushima. It is private land owned by an individual, but it is open to the public and feels as if you are in a utopian peach-blossom land.

Minami Shinshu weekend outing info 🚗💨 The katakuri (dogtooth violet) at Katakuri no Sato in Oosegi, Iida City, is in full bloom! A pale purple carpet stretches as far as the eye can see — a once-in-a-season spectacle. It’s perfect for photos 📸✨️ Plus! On Sunday, April 12, the Katakuri Festival will take place. Come enjoy a spring stroll with family and friends. ⁡ 📸: Friday, April 3, 2026 📍 Katakuri no Sato (2609-27 Oosegi, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture) Best time to visit: Now in peak bloom! Event: Katakuri Festival on Sunday, April 12 ※ Sakura-sama Cherry Blossom Festival held at the same time! ※ Check Minami Shinshu Navi for details 👀

A spring scene in Reihoku: a photo of the cherry blossoms along the regional agricultural road! They looked to be in full bloom last weekend, but some may still remain. If you pass by, be sure to take a look! 📍 Location: Northern regional agricultural road on Amakusa Shimojima (the Reihoku to Amakusa City area) If you’ve driven this way before or think it’s beautiful, tell us in the comments 🌸

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

Photographed on April 4, 2026. This is LEC COFFEE’s Sakura × Espresso Latte and a matcha Basque cheesecake topped with sakura.

Mannen-zan Ankokuji Temple is located in Oodaracho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. A large weeping cherry tree on the temple grounds was lit up, and its reflection in the water spread across the stone path at the gate, creating a very magical scene. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷🌸

Spring that seems within reach but never quite arrives. When you stretch out your hand it feels close enough to touch, yet it seems it would spill away the moment you did. I quietly preserved this fleeting moment.

Spring arrives quietly in Toyama… not with noise, but with fresh breath. In the blue hour, when day surrenders to night, the cherry blossom avenue awakens in soft golden light. Lanterns glow gently beneath blooming canopies, and people walk slowly, as if afraid to disturb the moment. Behind it all, the snow-capped Tateyama Range stands in silent majesty — timeless, unmoving, watching spring unfold below. The mountains hold the last light of the evening, their white peaks glowing softly against the deepening sky. In the foreground, the lake refuses stillness. Wind brushes across its surface, rippling reflections of blossoms and lights into fleeting fragments. The air turns colder after sunset, and yet the warmth of spring lingers in every step, every breath, every quiet glance. This photograph captures the delicate balance of spring — warmth and chill, movement and stillness, fleeting beauty and eternal mountains. A moment where nature whispers, and time gently pauses.

Guide to JR Hokkaido’s Ōzora and Tokachi trains 😊 JR Hokkaido’s limited express trains Ōzora and Tokachi connect Sapporo with eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro and Kushiro). The journey from sapporo station to obihiro station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes 🚊 From shinchitosekuukou station, take the Rapid Airport to minami chitose station and transfer to the limited express Ōzora or Tokachi. The travel time from shinchitosekuukou station to obihiro station is about 2 hours 30 minutes 🎵 Also, the trip from Kushiro Station to obihiro station on the Ōzora limited express takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. All seats on the limited express Ōzora and Tokachi are reserved, so please make a reservation in advance 🤗 https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ekinet_jrticket/page.html#map...

The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosaka-dera Temple It was a day of on-and-off rain, but I enjoyed the cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry blossoms looked beautiful lit up at night. At Tsubosaka-dera Temple, there was a temporary observation platform—apparently only for this season—that let visitors enjoy views of the Cherry Blossom Buddha. I’m grateful for it. This year, the parking lot required a full reservation in advance.

From mid-April to May in early spring As the snow melts, Akan’s forests put on a show of flowers that delight the eye and richly color the woods. Why not take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the hot spring district and enjoy a picnic of wildflowers?

Farewell came on a warm day. On my graduation day, I hugged my beloved teacher tightly and tears unexpectedly overflowed. Feelings of gratitude, a touch of sadness, and the excitement for what lies ahead. My teacher gently took in all the things I had held close in my small arms. When spring arrives, I feel like I’ll encounter this kind of warmth again. #Photo Contest #Spring #Spring in Japan #A Child’s Growth #Thank You

Today's Akanko Thanks to the rise in temperature, steam fog formed and created a magical scene. Some ice remains, but it is thin, so please do not go out onto the lake ice.

AriHana Kyoto invites you to enjoy a fun origami experience together with your children! Origami is a traditional Japanese art that is loved around the world. It’s simple, relaxing, and easy for anyone to try, making it a perfect cultural activity during your visit to Japan. Our sessions are run by a former childcare professional, so families with young children can feel comfortable and welcome. Of course, adults are also more than welcome to join on their own. We hope this experience will become one of your favorite memories from your trip to Japan. No reservation is required to join AriHana Kyoto, but if you prefer, you can also book in advance through our website. If you’re looking to enjoy Japanese culture with your family, we would love to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto! Experience Japanese culture through play in a Kyoto townhouse For all age - fun，relaxing，and family-friendly 🌐No reservations required. Walk-ins welcome!! 🔗Book via our website 🏃‍♀️‍➡️Open from 10:00AM to 6:00PM. (Last admission is at 5:00PM.) 🎌Closed on Tuesdays #AriHanaKyoto #OrigamiExperience #KyotoWithKids #HandsonJapan #JapanFamilyTrip

Cherry blossom update for this week—photos taken April 5–6 🌸 ① Chausuyama Dinosaur Park Entrance About 80 cherry trees line the embankment at the Chausuyama Dinosaur Park Entrance. At full bloom they form a lovely cherry tunnel. Varieties include Somei-Yoshino and Higan-zakura. Cherry trees also bloom within the Chausuyama Mallet Golf Course. [Bloom status] Full bloom ※Photographed April 6 [Location] 2358 Shinonoi Okada, Nagano City [Parking] Available ② Kourinji Temple A weeping cherry about 300 years old stands here, along with Somei-Yoshino trees. Many visitors photograph the magnificent tree and the temple. [Bloom status] Full bloom ※Photographed April 6 [Location] Shinonoi Komatsubara 2329, Nagano City [Parking] Available ③ Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle was the residence of the Sanada clan. About 100 cherry trees stand out beautifully against the late-Edo castle grounds. [Cherry light-up] April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon) 18:00–21:00 [Bloom status] Full bloom ※Photographed April 6 [Location] 44 Matsushiro, Matsushiro-machi, Nagano City [Parking] Available Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 standard cars, 2 accessible spaces Matsushiro Castle North Parking (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 standard cars, 2 accessible spaces ④ Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This battlefield is famous for the clashes between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. About 100 Somei-Yoshino trees create a popular hanami spot. [Cherry light-up] From bloom until April 11 (Sat) 18:00–21:00 [Bloom status] Full bloom ※Photographed April 6 [Location] 1384-1 Kojimada, Nagano City [Parking] Available (Park parking may be crowded. Please avoid parking without permission at nearby facilities.) ⑤ Shiroyama Park Adjacent to the east of Zenkoji Temple, this is Nagano City's premier cherry spot with about 470 Somei-Yoshino trees in full display. The cherry tunnel at peak bloom is especially beautiful. [Bloom status] Full bloom ※Photographed April 5 [Location] Hakoshimizu, Nagano City [Parking] Available Parking 1: 155 spaces, Parking 2: 123 spaces, Parking 3: 155 spaces 100 yen for up to 20 minutes, then 100 yen added every 20 minutes ※Visitors using the park or zoo who present a Nagano City Childcare Passport get up to 2 hours free ⑥ Saijo Mountain One of Shinshu’s top 100 sunset points and also known as a cherry-viewing spot. During the fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, the Uesugi army camped on this mountain’s summit on the Chikuma River’s south bank to watch Shingen’s movements. [Bloom status] Full bloom ※Photographed April 6 [Location] MatsushiromachiIwano, Matsushiro-machi, Nagano City [Parking] Available ※The road from the Saijo Mountain observation deck entrance to the deck is narrow and not passable for large vehicles. ※The Nagano Tourism Net website posts cherry blossom updates for Nagano City! 🌸Please use this as a reference for your hanami🌸 #cherry blossoms #hanami #bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Azumino Cherry Blossom Update The cherry trees at Ryugamonbuchi Park in Akeina are about 80% in bloom Still, with a forecast for summer-like temperatures today, they might reach full bloom… It’s a pleasant park. Visit with a picnic spirit!!

April 6th Azumino cleared to a brilliant blue today Forecasts say the temperature will rise to 25°C by midday It looks like an unseasonal summer day… MtJonen in the Northern Alps is watching over us!!

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each recipient. This Teshikaga photo contest is held with the cooperation of businesses based in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Kussharo Prince Hotel‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Kussharo Prince Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/k_princehotel/...

Twin Arch 138 with the morning glow and a row of cherry trees The hazy morning sun painted the scene in a soft orange light. Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture April 4, 2026

April 6th Spring has arrived in Azumino, and plants are bursting into new growth all at once!! Wasabi flowers, cherry blossoms, and even the ridges… After a long winter, Azumino is at its most radiant right now♪

April 5th Azumino Cherry Blossom Update The Hyakuraku Cherry tree in front of the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum is in full bloom This is an Edo-higan cherry, and its pale pink petals are beautiful!!

April 5th Azumino’s tourism hub, in front of Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line The willow tree that starred in the so‑called "symbol tour" is budding, and the daffodils are in full bloom When you visit, stop by briefly and then pop into the Tourist Information Center!!

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Anyouzan Seigenji Temple, located along the foothill road in Azumino, has begun to bloom Two large weeping cherry trees stand beyond the moss-covered approach This Soto Zen temple is also notable in summer for the lotus flowers beside the temple grounds!!