Taken on April 22, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.

Rengebatake and local line Rengebatake was a common sight during my childhood, but now it has become a rare landscape. I captured a nostalgic atmosphere with the local line (Hokusei Line). Ageki Town, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture April 24, 2026

Basking in the spring light... I found a little happiness during my walk🌼 The vibrant yellow gave me energy✨️

Japan's largest caldera lake, Lake Kussharo. Experience the vast lake, approximately 57 km in circumference, at Kussharo Prince Hotel. Take your time to enjoy its tranquility. Please experience a moment that can only be savored here. Open for business starting Saturday, April 25th. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

A pollen-free town, Kushiro. About a 30-minute drive from the hotel. There, magnificent nature unfolds. With delicious air, reset your mind. Embark on a healing journey from Kushiro Prince Hotel. In this place that makes you want to visit again, enjoy your stay in the pollen-free area next year. Reservations can be made from the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, April 25th, the "Ikeda Town Tourism Opening Ceremony" will be held in front of Ikeda Station! During the ceremony, a wine glass fountain will be flowing, and the Ikeda High School Brass Band will perform🎵 Additionally, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including food booths featuring local gourmet, a children's festival, a wine pouring experience into the fountain, and a display of police vehicles🤗 📍Date and Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM *Event will be canceled in case of rain 📍Location: JR Ikeda Station (Higashi 1-jo, Ikeda Town, Nakagawa District) https://kankou-ikeda.com//

On April 10th, we announced the 'Wakoto Area Beach Clean-Up Activity' on social media. We recently received a report confirming that the beach clean-up around Wakoto was successfully completed! It seems that some participants joined after seeing the post from 'Teshikaga Navi'✨ That's great! May many people safely enjoy the beautiful Wakin Peninsula this year as well🧹🧼

The former Japanese National Railways Shinonoi Line abandoned track in Azumino Walking here, you will find two brick tunnels One of them is the Urushikubo Tunnel😄 This charming tunnel was built in 1897 In the past, steam locomotives🚂 ran here.

【Announcement】Night Sakura Illumination 2026🌸 This is an announcement from the Iwanai Tourism Association📢 Starting from April 20 (Monday)🌸 ・Event period: April 20 (Monday) to May 9 (Saturday) *Dates may change depending on the cherry blossom conditions ・Illumination hours: 18:00 to 21:00 ・Illumination area From Iwanai Town Hall to the stairs of Iwanai Shrine ・Parking Please use the parking lot in front of Iwanai Town Hall ⚠️Please refrain from street parking⚠️ ・Requests and precautions🙇🏻‍♀️ Please do not touch the lighting equipment. Please avoid looking directly at the lights. This year, the illumination area will be expanded from the side of the town hall to the vicinity of Gonsuien, and lanterns will also be lit at the bottom of the shrine stairs🏮 *The installation period for the lanterns may differ from the illumination period. Please enjoy the enchanting night sakura in Iwanai Town this spring♪ We look forward to your visit🌸 Contact information⇩ 0135-63-1155 Iwanai Tourism Association Office

Introduction of Fuchikashira from Wakeido Title: Sakana zukushi zu Fuchikashira Signature: Katsura Sorin (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira: Height 38.8mm, Width 22.6mm, Thickness 13mm Head: Height 35mm, Width 17mm Period: Late Edo Period School: Katsura school Explanation Toshimasa Egawa was born in Mito in the third year of the Ansei era. He studied under Eisei Yokotani and became an adopted son of Katsura Eiju. He succeeded the Katsura family's duties and became the official metalworker for the Kurume Domain Arima family, taking the name Katsura Sorin. He excelled in high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, carving lions, tigers, horses, fish, and figures. This work also features his trademark high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, beautifully depicting lobsters and flatfish.

We will distribute beetle larvae! At the KamaSta Golden Week event "C・B and the Smiling Faces - Let's Smile Together! KamaSta☆Kids Ballpark," we will hold a larvae distribution event! Come dig out the larvae from the soil yourself! 🌟 Date: May 5th (Tuesday, Public Holiday) 🌟 Time: From 12 PM to 3 PM (Ticket distribution from 11 AM to 11:50 AM) 🌟 Venue: Fighters Kamagaya Stadium, Outfield Grass Area on the Third Base Side 🌟 Game: Against Yokohama DeNA BayStars 🌟 Number of larvae: 200 🌟 Target: Children under elementary school age 🌟 Other Information: ・In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to May 6th (Wednesday, Public Holiday). ・Public transportation is recommended. If you come by car, a parking fee of 1,500 yen will be charged. ・From May 4th (Monday, Public Holiday) to May 6th (Wednesday, Public Holiday), the KamaSta☆Kids Ballpark will hold daily events including uniform giveaways and interactions with professional baseball players! 【Commercial and Tourism Division】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/kanko/kabutomushiproject/kabutomushi-event/r8kabutomushi.html...

Nemophila Festa 2026 (May 2) A fun and delicious event awaits you! The Nemophila Festa 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, at Horticulture LABO Hill. Tomato harvesting experience Sedum planting experience Strawberry daifuku making Mini craft experience Quiz rally around the park Tomohiro Furuya live performance Serikawa concert Myony Brass Ensemble concert featuring Tsuruga Technical High School Wind Orchestra Fukuizer show Balloon art Bingo tournament Food trucks Super ball scooping Candy fishing Gem scooping Dried fish by Mr. Morishita Coffee sales by Herb Time Sweets by Sachi Hana and many other exciting activities are planned. We hope to see you there! Nemophila Festa 2026 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Fukui Prefecture Horticultural Experience Facility, Horticulture LABO Hill 35-32-1 Hisakko, Mihama Town (inside the Horticulture Research Center) Phone: 0770-47-6162

The cherry blossoms at Ariakesan Shrine in Azumino have started to fall🌸 The carvings on the shrine's mountain gate, Yumeimon, are impressive❗️ It is said to be modeled after the Yōmeimon of Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

【A Journey to Iwaya Temple, Surrounded by Nature🍃】 Iwaya Temple, located in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a perfect hiking spot for the upcoming season. As you walk along the path surrounded by trees, you'll be healed by the gentle sunlight filtering through the leaves and the chirping of birds, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant mountain walk 😊 As you gradually gain elevation, the view opens up, and you will arrive at the serene Iwaya Temple. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from the entrance of the walking trail. In the upcoming season when the fresh greenery becomes beautiful, why not refresh yourself in nature? 【Iwaya Temple】 📍2112 Hateshiki-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 🚌Bihoku Kotsu Bus from Miyoshi Station to Iwaya Temple (approximately 17 minutes)

🌸 The Ezo Yamazakura cherry blossoms in front of Tomakomai Station have started to bloom. 🌸 Today, the expected high temperature is 11°C, making it a bit chilly, and the sunlight is weak, so I couldn't take very good photos. However, I believe you'll be able to see pictures of the cherry blossoms in full bloom soon. The white figure in the background of the second photo? It's actually a bus stop. It is shaped like Tomakomai City's official character, Tomachoppu. If you visit Tomakomai, be sure to check it out in person! 🚢

🍶Enjoying Junmai Warm Sake Event in Kawayu Onsen🍶 The Enjoying Junmai Warm Sake Event in Kawayu Onsen will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Kawayu Kanko Hotel Convention Hall, Laputa. Many famous sake breweries will gather for this event to enjoy junmai warm sake. The fee is 7,500 yen per person, and ticket sales will end on June 13. It is said that sales will conclude once the capacity is reached, even before the deadline, so please act quickly! 🍶✨ Hot springs, warm sake, and delicious food. That's why Kawayu is irresistible. 【Enjoying Junmai Warm Sake Event in Kawayu Onsen】 Date and Time Sunday, June 21, 2026 17:20 - Registration / 17:45 - Doors Open / 18:00 - Start / 20:00 - End (tentative) Venue Kawayu Kanko Hotel Convention Hall, Laputa 1-2-30 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun Tickets ¥7,500 (tax included) per person, all seated / half buffet style *Advance tickets only *Due to preparations, there will be no tickets available on the day of the event. Participating Breweries ⚫︎Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery (Kamikawa-cho) 《Kamikawa・Tokachi》 ⚫︎Fukutsukasa Sake Brewery (Kushiro City) 《Fukutsukasa・Goshikisai Cloud》 ⚫︎Sakai Shuzo (Yamaguchi Prefecture) 《Gohashi・NOTEN》 ⚫︎Hatashuzou (Shiga Prefecture) 《Daijiro》 ⚫︎Henmi Shuzo (Niigata Prefecture) 《Maaya・Itaru》 ⚫︎Moriki Shuzō (Mie Prefecture) 《Rumiko's Sake》 *Please note that participating breweries and their representatives may change. Ticket Purchase and Inquiries Kawayu Sake Association, Nishizawa Shoten Co., Ltd. Contact: Kaneko Phone Number: 015-483-2347 Email: kin311@aurora.ocn.ne.jp Check the flyer QR code image for temporary information and details!

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 3 Mimi Shrine's King Dance (May 4) This dance is performed during the annual grand festival of Mimi Shrine in May, dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest. The performance lasts about an hour. Dancers wear colorful costumes, showcasing a graceful and powerful display. It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukui Prefecture. Starting from the 7th year of Reiwa, the grand festival of Mimi Shrine will be divided into two parts: May 1 (only the ceremony) and May 4 (offering of meals, welcoming rituals, pressing of the sacred offering, King Dance, lion dance, and other ceremonial events). Mimi Shrine Grand Festival Date: May 4, 2026 (Monday) Time: Around 8 AM - King Dance starts in the afternoon Location: Mimi Shrine, 10-25-1 Miyashiro, Mihama Town Please note that the Mimi Shrine Grand Festival, which used to be held on May 1, will now only have the ceremony on that date starting from the 7th year of Reiwa, while the offering of meals, welcoming rituals, pressing of the sacred offering, King Dance, lion dance, and other ceremonial events will take place on May 4. The schedule has changed, so please be aware. Please note that the schedules for events such as the King Dance and lion dance are posted on the Mimi Shrine website, but the timing may vary due to the nature of the ceremonies. Even if you only wish to see the King Dance, it is recommended to wait at Mimi Shrine from the early afternoon and keep your schedule open until late in the evening.

[2026 Announcement of Akanko Lake Opening] The "Akanko Lake Opening" event, marking the beginning of the green season tourism at Lake Akanko, will be held on Wednesday, April 29th. There will be a brass band performance by the Akanko Compulsory Education School's wind ensemble, a tourism safety prayer ceremony, and a presentation of local specialties from Lake Akanko.

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 2 Children's Kabuki in Hayase (May 3) In Hayase, Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, there is a tradition of "Children's Kabuki" performed by elementary school boys that has been passed down for about 150 years. It is said to have originated during the Edo period when cholera spread in Hayase, leading to the offering of Children's Kabuki at local temples and shrines to calm the disease. The head priest of Zuirinji at that time received a divine message stating, "The epidemic is a curse from gods and buddhas; therefore, offer Children's Kabuki to the temples and shrines." The villagers promptly constructed a float for the offering and on May 8 of the following year, they paraded the float to Hiyoshi Shrine, Zuirinji, and Jomoji, offering Children's Kabuki. As the epidemic subsided, this day became the grand festival of Hiyoshi Shrine, and the tradition of Children's Kabuki has been preserved and offered ever since (it is currently held on May 3). Children's Kabuki in Hayase Date: May 3, 2026 (Sunday) Time: Starting around 8 AM. Location: Hayase, Mihama Town Offered in front of Hiyoshi Shrine and Zuirinji *After offering Children's Kabuki in front of Hiyoshi Shrine, the float will be moved to Zuirinji for another performance. The exact timing will depend on the situation, so we cannot provide a fixed time. If you wish to see Children's Kabuki, please keep your schedule open throughout the morning. https://www.view-wakasamihama.jp/trip-03-02...

Events around Golden Week (April 29 - May 11) Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival (May 3 - 5) At the "Mori to Kurasu Donguri Club" in Shinjo, Mihama Town, we cultivate the native "Kōdōdantsutsuji" (red azalea) that grows in the mountains of Mihama. During Golden Week, we will hold our annual sales event, the "Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival." Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival Date: May 3 (Sunday) - 5 (Tuesday), 2026 Location: Mori to Kurasu Donguri Club 182-1-1 Shinjo, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-3330

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd: Announcement of Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar in Yamanashi Prefecture, Yatsugatake♪🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred water from the Owl Tree 🌈 Hazama Burger that transcends boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets A variety of shops will be lined up✨❣️ This place, known as a power spot, will be OPEN only on this day✨ Additionally, there will be "outdoor childcare with a nursery teacher" and "breastfeeding space" available, so those with small children can visit with peace of mind. You can also interact with Mary the Sheep and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Breastfeeding space •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

Around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, the white iris flowers are in full bloom. They have started to bloom a bit earlier than usual. Typically, we mention that the best viewing time is during Golden Week, but it’s a bit uncertain until the Kuniyoshi Castle Festival on May 5th. This weekend (April 25-26), the weather is nice, so it’s a great time to see them. Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (until the end of March) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from April) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if it's a holiday) Address: 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd, Yamanashi Prefecture Yatsugatake♪ Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar Announcement🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 HazamaBurger that crosses boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Many shops will be lined up✨❣️ This place, known as a power spot, will be OPEN only on this day✨ Additionally, the venue is equipped with "childcare by certified caregivers" and "nursing spaces," so those with small children can visit with peace of mind. You can also interact with sheep Marie and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

With the start of the new fiscal year, let me introduce how we at the tourism association provide information!

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd Announcement for Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar in Yamanashi Prefecture, Yatsugatake♪🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 Hazama Burger that crosses boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Many shops will be lined up✨❣️ The venue will also have "Outdoor Childcare with Nursery Staff" and "Nursing Space," so parents with small children can come with peace of mind. You can also interact with Mary the Sheep and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (Rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

Notice of Cruise Ship Arrival🚢 The cruise ship "Westerdam" is coming to Kushiro! Passengers will disembark and enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope that all citizens will warmly welcome them with a friendly atmosphere😊 As the ship departs, there will be a drum performance by "Kotobuki Kodomo Ezo Taiko" to send them off👋 We look forward to everyone's participation✨ *Parking available for general visitors Date: Tuesday, April 28, Year R8 Arrival: 8:00 AM Departure: 5:00 PM Location: Kushiro Port West No.4 Pier East Side Seawall Local product stalls open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Send-off around 4:30 PM #Cruise Ship #Westerdam

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. I was having a pre-shoot.

Photographed on April 22, 2014. Near the chozuya at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, azaleas were in bloom. Upon closer inspection, a bee was coming to sip nectar.

Life blooming on a green branch. A slender green life stretches from the tip of a broken branch. The roots may leave the earth, and the trunk may lie flat, but the cherry blossoms simply bloom. Quietly, strongly. They give their all to bloom in the 'last spring'.

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. 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.