Photographed on February 22, 2014. This is the hanachozu at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

The winter season runs through March 7. The winter private barrel sauna is also available for stays through March 7. And — The green season opens on April 25, 2026. We truly look forward to seeing you. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel ＠https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Comfortable stay in pollen-free Kushiro! Enjoy a refreshing pollen-avoidant spring Kushiro City, Hokkaido, is called a “pollen-free area” because cedar and cypress do not grow wild there. This spring, Kushiro Prince Hotel offers stays ideal for people troubled by hay fever! Combine a pollen-avoidant travel style with a high-floor stay overlooking Kushiro’s sunrise and night views for a trip that relaxes both body and mind. We also prepared sweets and drinks that let you enjoy the unique “refreshing” feeling of pollen-free Kushiro in taste, featuring the cool sensation of mint! The “Mint Tiramisu” is an original Kushiro Prince Hotel sweet that’s perfect for tea time or as an after-meal dessert. In a comfortable environment where you don’t have to worry about pollen, savor this item that spreads a fresh aroma and gentle sweetness, and spend a light, pleasant spring moment. @seibuprincejp #The best views are at Prince #Kushiro Prince Hotel #Pollen-avoidant #Pollen-free area #Pollen-avoidant trip #Hokkaido #kushiroprincehot https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/kahun202602/...

📢 Program Broadcast Notice 📢 The final episode covering various aspects of Teshikagacho will air on STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting’s “Dosanko WEEKEND” on Saturday, March 14th, at 9:25 AM 👀✨ Last week’s first half about Teshikagacho showcased a miraculous clear view of Lake Mashu, relaxing hot springs and footbaths, and savoring delicious Mashu Wagyu, among many other delightful highlights 🍦🧚🏻‍♀️ We’re excited to see what the finale will bring this weekend❣️Please be sure to tune in‼︎

March 9 −10°C Akanko early morning walk tour! Thanks to the cold that let clouds settle over the lake like a dragon, we could see frost flowers and rime ice gleaming against the blue sky♪ We walked across the lake, where diamond dust sparkled in a magical scene. ✨

Photographed on February 21, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Making the puppet faces! In Nishiokoppe Village, there is a club that performs puppet theater. It’s called the puppet theater club Doremi. They have performed at local daycare centers, elementary schools, and the Forest Museum “Mokumu,” and they have also held shows in Shimokawacho and Monbetsu City. During winter and spring, they spend time making puppets and preparing props and background decorations for performances. One afternoon, we dropped in while Doremi members were gathered. Preparing for performances from summer 2026 onward, they were just shaping the faces and torsos of the characters that will appear. This year’s piece seems to feature humans and several animals. They glued several sheets of styrofoam together, then shaved and shaved, comparing their work with reference photos and shaving again. Areas shaved too much and add-on parts like noses are formed with paper clay and attached to the base. They then paste shoji paper over the surface to build the final shape. There is still painting and sewing of fabric parts to do, so completion will take more time, but I could have watched forever as the members chatted while working—happy and serious at the same time. #Puppet theater #Doremi #Puppet making

Himeji

Okayama

Photographed on February 24, 2014. These are the hanachozu (flower water basins) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

(2026-01-30) Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Forest Aurora I posted earlier about the Tokyo sea of clouds Actually, this event upgrades at night the :40 hourly show by adding colored LEDs and lasers onto the sea of clouds to create the “Forest Aurora” ※From last November until this Wednesday 18:10 Sea of clouds 18:40 Forest Aurora (sea of clouds + laser projection) 19:10 Sea of clouds 19:40 Forest Aurora : : and so on Not the “Tokyo sea of clouds” but the “Forest Aurora” This was my first 2026 challenge of catching moments I might otherwise miss in life Even a slight breeze can send the mist rushing toward us or drifting off in unexpected directions, constantly changing its appearance by the minute So I take many shots and then pick a few that feel right.

Photographed on February 21, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 17, 2014. This is the hanachouzui (decorative flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, located at the omikuji distribution area.

A photo of Hamarikyu Gardens near my office on March 5th. Returning from a business trip after a week, the gardens are in full bloom with rapeseed flowers.

Photographed on February 18, 2014. The red plum blossoms line the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

Photographed on February 20, 2014. These are the red plum blossoms along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

"Mimosa Draped in Spring Light" Mimosa, a flower that announces the coming of spring. I wandered through the park because I had to see those yellow blossoms. After a while, I happened upon a mimosa tree bathed in the light of dusk. The sinking sun backlit it, making each tiny flower glow as if translucent. In that soft light, it felt as if spring itself stood there. Japan’s spring arrives with warm light. I captured that gentle atmosphere in this single frame. 📍Location: Yamada Pond Park 📷Camera: Nikon Z6II 🔍Lens: 70-200mm f2.8 VR S

Come and see! We received pamphlets from two elementary schools in Kushiro City ☺ ★ The sixth graders of Shiroyama Elementary School created a pamphlet about the Shiroyama area. They walked the neighborhood themselves and conducted on-site interviews at various facilities, producing very in-depth content. This booklet tightly captures the students’ feelings and the charms of Shiroyama! ★ The fifth graders of Kushiro Elementary School produced a Kushiro tourism pamphlet. Each student researched and reflected on Kushiro’s attractions in their own way, resulting in a collection full of personality. With 31 different entries covering sightseeing spots, recommended shops, information on wildlife, and more, there’s plenty to explore! You can take any pamphlet you like home. Come see the children’s wonderful work (^_^)/ We look forward to your visit. 📍 KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) 3-3 Saiwaicho, Kushiro City The pamphlets are available at the Tourism Concierge counter.

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 support of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order is random) Today we are pleased to introduce Kawayu Kanko Hotel, a long-established inn in Kawayu Onsen‼︎📝 For more detailed information about the facilities, please check Teshikaga Navi✨ Thank you very much to Kawayu Kanko Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/kawayukankou/...

Introducing Our Sponsors — The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-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 located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that helped make this possible. (In no particular order) Today we introduce Poppotei Co., Ltd. / Cafe Poppotei, located in front of Mashu Station!📝 Detailed information is available on Teshikaga Navi, so please check it out.✨ Thank you very much to Poppotei Co., Ltd. / Cafe Poppotei for their cooperation with this event.🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/poppotei/...

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 who have supported us. (In no particular order) Today, we are pleased to introduce Deshigakashiinko Co., Ltd., the operator of Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace and Iozan MOKMOK Base! For more detailed facility information, please check Teshikaga Navi. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Deshigakashiinko Co., Ltd. for their cooperation with this event. We hope you will continue to support the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/masyuresthouse/...

Ihama Margaret Flower Picking Garden https://x.gd/kljYT... Period: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – until supplies last Hours: 9:00–15:00 Fee: Free (up to 10 stems per person) Scissors available for loan Venue: Ihama Coast Ichijo Takenoko Village https://x.gd/1iKvL... - Bamboo Shoot Picking Experience April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday) Admission: Adults ¥650, Children ¥300 May end early when supplies run out Harvested bamboo shoots must be purchased Rubber boot rental ¥50, work gloves ¥50 available for purchase Bamboo shoot picking or the dining area may close or have reduced hours depending on shoot growth - Bamboo Shoot Cafeteria (limited season) April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday) Open daily (about 10:30–14:30) Takeout of bamboo shoot dishes available Kusamochi making (reservation required) is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays Bamboo craft workshops (reservation required) Bamboo shoot picking may be suspended once shoots run out

The 34th Ogata Tulip Festa 2026 ❚ April 3–12, 2026 The dates for the 2026 Tulip Festa have been set. This year, 190,000 bulbs in 117 tulip varieties and two types of rape blossoms will bloom around Harajiri Falls. We will announce more details as they are decided. As the event approaches, the Bungoono City Tourism Association will share tulip bloom updates on its website and social media, so please check them. Date and time: Friday, April 3–Sunday, April 12, 2026 Location: Around Harajiri Falls Note: On weekends during the event, the Roadside Station Harajiri Falls parking lot will not be available. Shuttle buses will run from temporary parking areas. Contact for event inquiries Tulip Festa Executive Committee Office TEL 0974-42-2111 Access from Fukuoka, Kumamoto and other prefectures to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ########## Explore Kyushu and Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Discover recommended sightseeing spots ##########

A Ezo squirrel eating near Lake Utonai Sanctuary🐿 Ezo squirrels replace their fur with highly insulating winter coats and remain active through the winter without hibernating. They dig up the nuts they buried in autumn little by little to secure food. Spring will soon arrive in Hokkaido. (Image courtesy of Lake Utonai Sanctuary)