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)

Photographed on February 18, 2014. These are the red plum blossoms along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now underway! At its peak♪ Please come and visit! This Sunday looks like it will be busy again. Saturday, which we worried about weather-wise, looks fine✨ Photo courtesy of Yasunori Okamoto

On March 4th, while on a business trip to Nagoya, I stopped by Hisaya Odori Park and took a photo under the Nagoya TV Tower with Kawazu cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Photographed on February 22, 2014. This is Chabudai-san’s morning set. It includes carrot potage, a salad, a fried egg, homemade bread, and natsu mikan jam. The natsu mikan jam and homemade bread go very well together. 😊🍊

Hello, I’m Gen 😊 It’s March, and Shosenkyo Gorge is getting warmer by the day, making the arrival of spring more noticeable 🌸☘️ The sight of beautiful waterfalls cascading between sheer rock faces and the peaceful valley views will become even more appealing in the coming season 🏞️✨ Shosenkyo offers a special place to stroll slowly while feeling the power of nature, refreshing both body and mind 😊 The photo shows Amethyst 'Egao' (Smiling Mouth) 💎 This stone is notable for its shape that looks like an open, smiling mouth, and it is said to "invite good fortune and gather positive energy," making it a very auspicious natural gem 😃 At Gen’s shop, we carry many good-luck items, including impressive amethyst geodes and quartz crystals 🔮✨ When you visit Shosenkyo, please drop by Gen as well 😊 All our staff look forward to welcoming you sincerely! ✨

Photographed on March 4 The early winter cherry trees near Ginza Street, at the Sakimicho curve, are now in full bloom and catching the eyes of passersby. Of the three trees, the one at the top is called the "Sakamachi Temple Cherry". It is said to be one of the trees planted in the grounds of Iou-ji Temple, which once stood here in the early Meiji period. The tree is over a hundred years old. It survived the Honcho great fire of 1944 and the Atami great fire of 1950, making it a precious cherry tree. Sakamachi Temple Cherry — Address: Sakimicho, Atami City (opposite Hotel Kan-ichi) About 20 early winter cherry trees in Shinsui Park are also continuing to bloom, so please visit if you are in the neighborhood. Shinsui Park — Address: Nagisacho, Atami City (Shinsui Park Daiichi Kouku to Shinsui Park Second Section)

From Wakeido, a product introduction. This is a sword attributed to Narie of Bizen from the Nanbokucho period(AD1350). Sword Mumei（unsigned） Nariie Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Measurements Length 71.4 cm Sori (curvature) 15 mm Mekugi-ana (peg hole) 1 MOTO-HABA (base width) 32.5 mm SAKI-HABA (tip width) 25 mm MOTO-KASANE (base thickness) 7 mm Province Bizen(Okayama) Period Nanbokucho period Shape Shinogi-zukuri, iorimune, wide mihaba with little difference between base and tip width, slightly thick kasane, shallow overall sori with a belly curve, large kissaki Hada (forging) Itame with mokume and nagare textures mixed, somewhat prominent hada, ji-nie well attached in places, frequent chikei lines, faint utsuri appearing Hamon (temper) Generally low tempered line, small tare mixed with gunome, a few sharp-pointed teeth-like elements, komasaari (small foot) present, nioigachi (prefers nioi), kansuji present, occasional niokuchi depression Boshi (tip temper) Midare-komi with kansuji, on the omote the point is swept and looks yakitsume-like, on the ura it turns back shortly with a small round tip Carving Bo-hi drilled through on both sides Nakago (tang) O-suriage (shortened), saki-kiri, yasurime kiri Commentary Nariie of the Osafune school in Bizen Province is said by one account to be a descendant of Keishu (Mitsutada’s younger brother) and was active in the late Nanbokucho period as one of the smiths classified among those with kosori school. However, mei-kanki records list somewhat earlier years such as Bunwa through Koan, and based on style and mei characters a connection with Kanemitsu is also possible, requiring further study. His skill is comparable to Masamitsu of the Kanemitsu group from the same era. This sword displays the Nanbokucho-era style with a wide mihaba and large kissaki. The jigane shows itame forging with somewhat prominent hada and frequent chikei, producing irregular areas of changed iron that appear thick in places. The hamon is low notare and mixed gunome, demonstrating the distinctive features of Nariie belonging to the Kosori school type. Above all, its heavy, majestic presence and the varied, striking forging make this an outstanding piece.

Delicious and fun! Sneaking into the Shobara Fan Festa! Fans from Shobara City in the nature-rich Hiroshima Prefecture gathered at Hirogin Holdings, Inc. "Tomorrow Square" in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City! We report on tastings of Hiba Beef and Yukiko (cheese), plus local sake sampling ✨ Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5555...

Setsubunso in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture is now in full bloom! 🌼💛 Setsubunso, a wildflower that heralds spring in Soryo town, Shobara City. It is said to be named because it begins to bloom around Setsubun, which corresponds to the lunar calendar’s New Year’s Eve.✨ Its small white blooms look charming, and it gives off a citrus-like fragrance. That sweet, refreshing scent is even called the "scent of first love"! 📌The public viewing period for the natural habitat runs until Sunday, March 8. For more details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5451... Please come and visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture✨ (Fukujusou, seribaouren and other flowers are also in bloom)

Introducing the Beauty of Japanese Swords: The Exhibition of Famous Swords from the Five Traditions The Exhibition of Famous Swords from the Five Traditions, Phase 1: Yamashiro-den and Yamato-den is taking place at the Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum from Saturday, February 21, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. We warmly invite you to visit. The first phase highlights Yamashiro-den and Yamato-den, showcasing masterpieces from the Rai school as well as blades by Sanjo, Senjuin, Hoshō, Tegai, Shirigake and others. Exhibition list for "The Exhibition of Famous Swords from the Five Traditions" Yamashiro Tachi: Kunikuni Rai (special important sword) Tanto: Rai Kunimitsu Wakizashi: Kunizane Rai (important sword) Katana: Yoshinori (late Sanjo) Wakizashi: Dewa Daijo Fujiwara Kunimichi Yamato Katana: Shumei Norinaga (Shirigake; special important sword) Tanto: Yamato Province, Fujiwara Sadahiro (Hoshō; special important sword) Sword (ken): unsigned, Senjuin Katana: unsigned, Senjuin (important sword) Katana: Kaneharu (Tegai) Venue: Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum Address: 522 Shimohonnojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 21, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026 Closed: during the New Year holidays and on days for exhibit changes Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Admission: Adults: 700 yen; Junior and senior high school students: 500 yen; Elementary school students: 300 yen School trip students: 300 yen; Persons with disabilities: 300 yen Honno-ji Hotel guests: 500 yen; Groups (30 or more adults): 600 yen #Documentary film #Documentary film The Beauty of Japanese Swords #Film The Beauty of Japanese Swords #Sword #The Beauty of Japanese Swords #Kanehisa #Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum #Honno-ji Temple Treasure Museum #Kyoto #Nobunaga #Honno-ji Incident #hamon #hamon property#Japaneseswords #japansword #sword #katana #hamon https://x.com/nihontonobi...

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] March Event Announcement📣 [Reihoku Sunset Marche] March Event Announcement📣 Hello everyone! Reihoku Town is preparing for the Hatsu-uma Grand Festival next week, and we’re pleased to announce the Reihoku Sunset Marche taking place in March♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣At the Reihoku Sunset Marche, where Reihoku’s farm produce, processed goods, and prepared dishes are sold, asparagus shipments will begin this time! Seasonal citrus like Shiranui and dekopon will also be on sale🍊 We’ll also offer a fill-your-own bag of out-of-spec onions, the limited-season hanahajiki, and outdoors there will be a flea market and a grilled gyoza stall❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ [Produce Planned for Sale] ・Asparagus (green, white, purple) ・Turnips🫜 ・Sun-dried winter daikon ・Cabbage ・Rice🌾 ・Taro ・Snap peas ・Daikon ・Onions🧅 ・Tomatoes (Aiko, mini) ・Broccoli🥦 ・Bell peppers ・Mandarin oranges🍊 (Hinoho, Shiranui) ・Lettuce (sunny) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, March 8, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, Kamitsufue, Reihoku Town 4535-1)

Photographed on February 22, 2014. I visited Chabudai in front of KAWAGOE COFFEE SELECTION. This is a HOT natsumikan. 🍊 By chance I ran into a follower, and it was fun. 😊

After yesterday’s continuing snowfall, the warm springlike weather has suddenly turned into winter around TokachigawaOnsen.🌨 Because the snow is wet, please take extra care with snow removal and road conditions!

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now underway! At its peak♪ Please come during a quiet weekday moment! It looks like this Sunday will be crowded again. The weather is a concern, but visitors who come on Saturday will likely be able to enjoy it more leisurely✨ Photo credit: Yasunori Okamoto

[Winter Wildlife Class] A wildlife class for elementary school students in the village. Adults knowledgeable about hunting and the mountains served as staff and provided opportunities for the children to connect with the nature around them. This time there were two activities: making candles from Ezo deer fat and a winter forest walk. The staff had simmered the Ezo deer fat in advance. We examined materials to see how it had cooled and solidified into white and what it had looked like before that change. While reheating the fat, the children decorated small jars with stickers. After finishing the outer decorations, they shaved crayons into small pieces and put them into the jars to color the candles. The warmed, clear Ezo deer fat gave off its distinctive scent as it returned to the classroom. They poured the fat into jars with a hanging cotton string, stirred so the crayon bits would melt, and left them to set. 🦌 🦌 🦌 After a restroom break, we set off for Miyanomori. The road snow had melted and frozen into a slick surface, but the children, who walk this route to and from school every day, moved along with ease. When we reached the torii gate, we did thorough warm-ups and put on snowshoes. Following the footprints of the staff who had walked the trail the day before, we lifted our snowshod feet high and climbed step by step. The snowshoes, the heavy snow, and the sunlight worked up a good sweat. Along the way we observed animal tracks and the buds on branch tips. When we reached a more open area, we took a break and then began a game of hide-and-seek in the snow. We tried hiding in the shade of trees and behind mounds of piled snow. Two university student staff members did their best to search for us. 🦌 🦌 🦌 Back in the classroom after taking off our snowshoes, the candles had cooled and solidified nicely. Their colors had shifted slightly from when they were hot, and that was beautiful too. It will be fun to try them at home. This concludes this year’s wildlife class. Thank you to the children who participated and to all the staff! #Wildlife Class #Candles #Snowshoes

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is the “Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour” exhibition held at nakamachi sightseeing information center.

Over 10,000 visitors! Highlights of the Tove and Moomin Exhibition✨ Experience the beloved world of Moomin loved around the world “Tove and Moomin Exhibition – In Search of Special Things –” after shows in Tokyo and Hokkaido, has landed in Nagano Prefecture for the first time in the Chubu region✨ The venue displays more than 300 items, including precious original drawings and sketches that mark the birth of Moomin, comics, and manuscript pages from picture books. The exhibition features immersive spaces that draw you into the Moomin world and plenty of photo spots perfect for snapping pictures📸 Also on display are Tove’s murals, which are not well known in Japan! A wide range of exhibition-exclusive original goods is available🎁 A cute sacoche with an exclusive design will be sold only at the Nagano venue! This exhibition offers a chance to rediscover the charm of the Moomin series and the rich creativity of Tove that supports it! Exhibition Details Tove and Moomin Exhibition – In Search of Special Things – ©Moomin Characters™ ©Tove Jansson Estate Venue: Nagano Prefectural Art Museum Address: 1-4-4 Hakozumi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 7th, 2026 – Sunday, April 12th, 2026 Closed: Every Wednesday Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry to the exhibition rooms at 16:30) Admission: Same-day tickets General: ¥1,800 / Junior and Senior High School Students: ¥1,100 / Elementary School Students: ¥700 #Moomin #Tove and Moomin Exhibition #Tove and Moomin Exhibition #Nagano Prefectural Art Museum #Nagano City

Introducing 2026 Autumn Adventure Tour of Hokkaido Explore Hokkaido beyond the usual tourist routes, from the alpine landscapes of Daisetsuzan National Park to the Tokachi Plains and the tranquil shores of Lake Shikaribetsu, with gentle walks, easy cycling, and scenic drives revealing the island’s seasonal beauty. Savouring the fresh new potatoes and seasonal delicacies while gazing upon the crimson and golden hues of autumn leaves is a luxury unique to this season. Enjoy a heart-warming moment that satisfies both the view and your appetite. For tour details and reservations, please visit the website below. https://journeytotheeast.com/tours/2026-autumn-adventure-tour-of-hokkaido/...