A tunnel of pale pink created by fully bloomed cherry blossoms. As I walked forward, capturing the moment with a shutter click, I reflected on my gratitude for the past and a quiet hope for the future. In Arashiyama, Kyoto, the cherry blossom avenue. It was a moment enveloped in a warm atmosphere, as the soft morning light of spring filtered through the trees, illuminating my hakama and seemingly blessing this new beginning. This view seen through the lens of my smartphone is an unforgettable memory of "spring in Japan" for me.

Taken on April 12, 26. This is a strawberry jam Basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE.🍓

It's not just about "eating." The scenery, the air, everything becomes a feast. A dish enjoyed at the Kussharo Prince Hotel restaurant offers a luxurious experience that captures the charm of Hokkaido. In the leisurely flow of time, your heart will also be filled. 【Opening for the Green Season starts on Saturday, April 25, 2026】 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Among the small flowers that begin to bloom in spring, the charm of the shepherd's purse is particularly captivating. The reason may be that it resembles a tree bearing hearts.

A single sparrow. During the colorless winter season, the camellias begin to bloom, marking the start of a change in the seasons. In a way that takes over from the camellias, the camellia flowers bloom, making spring palpable for the people. A sparrow still dressed in winter attire is so small that it can perch on two leaves, becoming a tiny symbol of spring.

【Shibazakura Takinoue Blooming Information on April 28】Hello. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Last weekend was warm like spring, and the blooming progressed significantly. The blooming assessment committee, including the town mayor, confirmed that the shibazakura in the designated area was one-third in bloom, and today, April 28 (Tuesday), we declared the "Blooming Declaration." This marks the earliest blooming recorded since observations began in 1985. Additionally, a drawing for the blooming quiz winners was held after the declaration, with 209 correct answers out of 2,936 entries. Winners will be notified through the shipment of prizes. Shibazakura Takinoue Park will have a pre-opening on April 29 (Wednesday, holiday) and 30 (Thursday). Starting the day after the blooming declaration, an entrance fee will be charged. On May 1 (Thursday) at 10:00 AM, we will hold the opening ceremony for Shibazakura Takinoue Park. The first 50 visitors will receive a commemorative gift. This year, we will also hold the "Tenro Staircase Crossing Ceremony" at the entrance path of Shibazakura Takinoue Park, which has been completed. We look forward to your participation in the opening ceremony. Furthermore, the Shibazakura Festival will take place from May 1 to May 31. We await your visit. ------------------------ 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Entrance Fee Adults (high school students and above): 500 yen Group of 10 or more: 400 yen Children (elementary and junior high school students): 250 yen Group of 10 or more: 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Shibazakura #Moss Phlox #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Pink Moss #Flower Stroll

Starting today, April 28th (Tuesday), a new souvenir from Taiki Town, "Sora Tobu Tigre - A Journey Through the Scents of Taiki Town," is now available at Cosmall Taiki! This souvenir was jointly developed by the local revitalization team of Taiki Town and the French patisserie ami poire. Tigre is a baked good originating from France, featuring a moist financier base with a rich ganache filling in the center. We focused on using local ingredients, including those from Taiki Town (haskap, raspberries, honey), Tokachi (eggs), and Hokkaido (flour, butter). Eating it will surely make you feel as if you are exploring Taiki Town. Be sure to give it a try!

Taken on April 12, 26. This is the hot sandwich set with tandoori chicken from LEC COFFEE. The tandoori chicken is tender and juicy. I might visit soon...😊🥪

Dandelions blooming along the irrigation canal🌼 Sparkling like the sun✨️ Nourishing my heart, I feel ready to tackle tomorrow again👍 Wishing everyone a wonderful end to the weekend🌿

Photographed on March 25, 2014. This is the love water at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

The snowbell in the photo isn't blooming, but it still seems to have a mysterious charm that makes you feel warm just by glancing at it.

Despite the powerful buzzing sound it makes, this round-bodied bee has large eyes and is known as the bumblebee. Somehow charming, this bee is in its mating season during spring.

On a quiet street in the eastern part of Kagawa Prefecture, there is a udon shop called "Marutatsu." This place is not like the typical busy udon restaurants; it feels more like a refined experience of local culture. Upon entering, the space is bright and spacious, allowing one to relax and savor the moment. I ordered a bowl of the signature udon, and the first thing I noticed was the presence of the noodles themselves. Made from Kagawa Prefecture's wheat "Sanuki no Yume," the noodles are both chewy and elastic, sliding smoothly and offering a delightful texture that showcases the vitality of hand-made noodles. Next comes the soul of the dish: the broth. Made from small dried fish caught around Ibukijima in the Seto Inland Sea, the broth carries a profound umami flavor with a clear finish. Adding local specialties from Higashikagawa, such as Sanuki and wasanbon sugar, enhances the overall taste with a layer of warmth and smoothness. The sweetness is not overpowering; it gently highlights the umami of the fish, making it hard to resist drinking it down in one go. This bowl of noodles can almost be said to be a microcosm of Higashikagawa. From local wheat and catches from Ibukijima to traditional wasanbon sugar, every element is closely connected to the land and culture. A simple bowl of udon, yet it embodies respect for the ingredients and a deep affection for the region. When I left, I felt that I had not just eaten a bowl of noodles, but had also taken a flavorful journey through the landscape of Kagawa.

GW is packed with events! Here are five recommended GW events✨ 1. 'NAGANO Zenkoji Yosakoi' 【Date】May 4th, R8 (Monday, holiday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 【Venue】Zenkoji Omotesando (from Suehirocho Intersection to Shindencho Intersection), Nagano Station Zenkoji Entrance Plaza 2. 'Zenkoji Hanakairo' 【Date】May 3rd (Sunday, holiday) - May 5th (Tuesday, holiday) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Pedestrian Paradise) 【Venue】Zenkoji Omotesando, Central Square, TOiGO Square, etc. 3. 'Nagano Collection 2026' 【Date】May 5th, R8 (Tuesday, holiday) 【Details】 ・Live Hair Performance 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM at Zenkoji Omotesando (in front of TOiGO) ・Nagako Stage 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM at Central Square 4. 'Nagano Shishimai Festival' 【Date】May 3rd, R8 (Sunday, holiday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (held in light rain) 【Venue】Nagano Station Zenkoji Entrance Plaza, TOiGO Square, Central Square, Zenkoji Omotesando 【Stamp Rally】 Collect stamps in the performance areas at each venue, and the first 500 participants will receive an original hand towel designed by students from Oka Design Academy. 5. 'Zenkoji Omotesando Arts and Music Festival' 【Date】May 4th, R8 (Monday, holiday) - May 6th (Wednesday, holiday) 【Time】May 4th and 6th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM May 5th 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM *Cancelled in case of rain 【Venue】Central Square #GW #event #nagano #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Nemophila Edition" The nemophila fields in National Alps Azumino Park, located in Horikane and Hotaka District, are at their peak blooming 😄 With 32,000 nemophila plants ♫ They have appeared in the Den'en Bunka Zōn at Hotaka-guchi 😆 A beautiful blue carpet is spreading out!❗️

Azumino: A Floral Trio 'Canola Flower Edition' The canola flower fields in the Horigane and Hotaka areas of National Alps Azumino Park are in full bloom! 😄 Five million canola flowers are spreading across the fields! ♪ A yellow carpet stretches as far as the eye can see! 😆

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Tulip Edition" The tulip fields in National Alps Azumino Park, Horigane and Hotaka District are in full bloom! 😄 With 130 varieties and 260,000 tulips 🌷 You can enjoy a colorful display of tulips throughout the vast park! ♪ Today and tomorrow, as well as during Golden Week, the Azumino Park Craft Marche Spring is also being held Food trucks and craft shops will be there too Bring the whole family along! 😆

The scenery of Azumino, with its beautiful fresh greenery.

Water has started to fill the rice fields in Azumino that have been plowed. The season of Azumino's breathtaking scenery, "Suikyo," is just around the corner.😊

Notice of Exhibition from Wakeido Tochio Art Museum, Nagaoka City Special Project "Swords Born in the Turbulent Period of Japanese Swords" – A Comparison of Swords from the Late Muromachi Period and the End of the Edo Period – Cooperation: Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai Nagaoka Shibu When considering the history of Japanese swords, it is closely related to Japan's long history, and it is impossible to discuss Japanese swords without understanding this historical background. It is well known that there were significant conflicts during transitional periods throughout the more than 1,000 years since the mid-Heian period when Japanese swords were established. Therefore, upon examining the subsequent Japanese swords, one can notice that they have undergone various changes, including their appearance and form. In other words, it can be said that Japanese swords, which were tools of war, had to respond sensitively to the times and methods of combat. In this exhibition, we will showcase Japanese swords from the beginning of the Sengoku period during the late Muromachi period, which is said to have lasted the longest in history, alongside those from the late Edo period around the Boshin War, which continues to influence and be remembered in modern Japanese history. We hope you will reflect on the changes and commonalities in their shapes, colors, and hamon patterns, as well as the spirit of the Japanese artisans of that time. We warmly invite everyone to come and visit. <Address> 1-13 Uenoharamachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0237 <Phone Number> 0258-53-6300 <Dates> April 22nd – June 21st <Opening Hours> 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Tickets available until 4:30 PM) <Closed in April> 27th (Monday), 28th (Tuesday) <Closed in May> 7th (Thursday), 8th (Friday), 11th (Monday), 12th (Tuesday), 18th (Monday), 19th (Tuesday), 25th (Monday), 26th (Tuesday) <Closed in June> 1st (Monday), 2nd (Tuesday), 8th (Monday), 9th (Tuesday), 15th (Monday), 16th (Tuesday) https://www.lib.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/tochibi...

The fresh green sprouts have begun to emerge in Azumino. The clear water flows from wasabi fields and trout farms that utilize spring water.

On April 23rd, Azumino enjoyed a sunny morning. The dogwood trees began to bloom, adding beauty to the landscape of Azumino. This is the northern part of Azumino, along the streets of Aokemi Industrial Park.

Taken on March 25, 2014. This is the love water at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌸

【Fluffy Hydrangea Wreath】 Wednesday, April 15th The first dry flower workshop of the year was held🪷 Nishiokoppe Village is also being wrapped in the warmth of spring. Surrounded by many flowers, some participants began to feel a sense of excitement as gardening and fieldwork are finally starting. This time, we made wreaths using dried hydrangeas as the base, decorating them with other flowers and fruits. The process of creating parts and attaching them is common in such floral arrangements. Regular attendees quickly formed hydrangea rings, decorated them skillfully, and chatted lively while working. While I struggled to create the hydrangea base, a reliable and experienced neighbor helped me with the parts, making the workshop enjoyable, including those interactions. Thanks to the combinations of hydrangeas and the materials chosen for decoration, each piece was filled with individual touches! I am immensely grateful to Yuka Sato, the instructor, for providing such opportunities. #Lesson #Dried Flowers #Arrangement #Wreath Making

Behind Kōgen Shrine, located along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route's Nakahechi course, you can see a large camphor tree with a trunk circumference of over 6 meters, as well as a cluster of ebine orchids. Take your time to enjoy the Kumano Kodo while reflecting on the ancient people.

Today I love to recommend a place in Tokyo which is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Spring in Japan isn't just about enjoying the cherry blossoms, spring begins with the beautiful fragrance of plum blossoms, and you can witness the ume matsuri, or plum festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. It is near the Ueno park area and this festival usually held in 1st week of March every year. Ume lasts much longer than sakura, so its beauty can be enjoyed for a long time. Around 300 plum blossom trees are spread over the temple premises which are visited by many visitors every day. Besides, during this festival, various cultural events are held on the temple ground during the holidays.

Take a break from daily life and immerse yourself in tranquility. Before you lies a moment filled with Lake Kussharo and nature. In the morning, enjoy a leisurely view of the lake. In the afternoon, take a deep breath in nature. At night, be enveloped in silence. A stay without a packed schedule is the most fulfilling for the soul. How about spending some "time to find balance" here? You can make a reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

They were blooming in a nearby park. It's the best time to see them. They're so vibrant!

Taken on April 22, 26. This is le bilboquet near Akasaka Station. This week's lunch features pork belly and green peas with butter rice.

【Teppen Kagura Festival👹】 Today (April 26th), the "Teppen Kagura Festival" was held at the Gokase Winery-style hall✨ Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with people and excitement that blew away the rain and cold🔥 This festival features not only Kagura from Gokasecho but also Kagura from the neighboring Yamatocho in Kumamoto Prefecture💡 It seems there were some first-time Kagura fans in attendance, and I was delighted to see that events in Gokasecho are becoming more widely known🥰 Gokasecho has plenty of events lined up for the Golden Week🙌 Be sure to check out the tourism association's website and social media!😊