Photographed on May 4, 26. This is the satokagura "Inariyama" by the Umebachi Association. The attendant is deep in thought.

Myotokuzan Kegonji Temple (Myotokuzan Kegonji) Commonly known as Suzumushidera Temple (Suzumushidera) 31 Matsumurojike-chou, Nishikyō Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The visiting hours are generally from 9 AM to 5 PM, with entry until 4:30 PM Open year-round The reason it's called Suzumushidera The temple houses thousands of bell crickets throughout the year, and visitors can listen to the sound of the crickets while attending a sermon called "Suzumushi Seppō" in the main hall, which is why it is affectionately called "Suzumushidera." What is the secret of the "bell crickets that chirp all year round"? Approximately 3,000 crickets are raised. The "Happiness Jizō" wearing straw sandals is famous. It is the only Jizō in Japan that wears straw sandals, and there is a legend that it "walks to grant wishes." As for how to pray, it is widely known that after listening to the priest's sermon, one should strongly wish for a single desire in their heart. There are stories that any wish will be granted, and many testimonials say, "I came back because my last wish was granted."

Swaying in the wind, my own special seat. A small hill enveloped by pampas grass, offering a panoramic view of Hatoyamamachi in Saitama Prefecture. This place, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots, flows with quiet moments and gentle breezes. It's a hidden gem, still unknown to many, where you can unwind and relax.

Start your day with a feast in the port town.☀️ Enjoy a breakfast buffet at the top-floor restaurant "Top of Kushiro," overlooking Kushiro City and the Pacific Ocean. Savor the popular "Seafood Bowl," Nemuro Strait Kombu Soy Sauce Ramen, and a variety of Japanese and Western dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients. It's a special morning experience to savor both the view and breakfast in Kushiro. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

【Shibazakura Takinoue Park Information on May 10】Good morning! This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Today, we had planned to guide you to a temporary parking lot, but we have decided to open the parking lot within the park, so please come directly to the parking lot inside the park! The forecast for Takinoue Town today is a high of 19°C, which is much warmer than yesterday. The park can be quite windy and chilly, so having a light jacket would be convenient. The blooming status is about 60% overall, with some areas at 70%. Today, May 10 (Sunday), from 14:00, a photo seminar titled "Color Expression of Shibazakura" will be held by a professional photographer. Participation is free, but there is an admission fee. On May 16 (Saturday) at 10:30, Hokkaido's tourism PR character "Kyun-chan" will make an appearance! After that, from 11:00, the Shibazakura Spring Live will also take place! Look forward to next week too! ------------------------ 8:00 – 18:00 (Last admission at 17:00) Admission Fee Adults (high school students and above): 500 yen, Groups of 10 or more: 400 yen Children (elementary and junior high school students): 250 yen, Groups of 10 or more: 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Photo Seminar #Nikon #Hisao Asano

【Shibazakura Takinoue Park Information on May 9】Good morning! This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Today, we had planned to guide you to the temporary parking lot, but we have decided to open the parking area within the park, so please come directly to the park's parking lot! The maximum temperature in Takinoue Town today is 5℃, and there is a forecast of snow mixed in from the afternoon. Please check the road conditions and be careful⚠️. It’s chilly, so we recommend dressing warmly. The blooming status is overall 60% and some areas are at 70%. On May 9 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, a birdwatching event will be held by the local nature guide "Poussin"! Each session is limited to 20 participants, and participation is free. *Entry fees apply. Participants should gather at the information center located in the parking lot. On May 10 (Sunday), a photo seminar titled "Color Expression of Shibazakura" will be conducted by a professional photographer. For those who do not have equipment, Nikon will lend out professional gear, so feel free to join. Children, including elementary and middle school students, are also welcome to participate. Families are encouraged to join together! We look forward to seeing everyone. *Participation is free, but entry fees apply. ------------------------ 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Entry Fees Adults (high school students and above): 500 yen Group of 10 or more: 400 yen Children (elementary and middle school students): 250 yen Group of 10 or more: 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Photo Seminar #Nikon

Photographed on May 4, 26. This is "Inariyama" performed by the Umebachi Association's Satokagura. Inari Okami is dancing.

This is the Mitsumata Colony in Mushiidani, Akitakata City. The entire valley is covered with Mitsumata, making it feel as if surrounded by a swarm of fireflies.

Today, Chahaku-chan came to play again. He is a boy. 🐈

A hotel to stay in for memories. The aroma of Napolitan and the color of Cream Soda are somehow nostalgic. When you come here, it feels like time flows a little slower. Would you like to enjoy the atmosphere of Showa? 【Until Saturday, October 31, 2026】 Reservations can be made from the URL in the profile. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Taken on May 8, 26. This is the Flower Festival at Saiunji Temple. The Flower Festival is held on April 8, but it seems that in Kawagoe, it is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. We pour sweet tea to celebrate the birthday of Buddha.

🌸Kushiro cherry blossoms are blooming!🌸 The cherry blossom front is moving across the Japanese Archipelago. The cherry blossoms in Michihigashi Kushiro were observed to bloom on May 3rd! The Ezo cherry trees are characterized by their deep pink color. They look cute yet somehow strong, leaving a powerful impression. After the Ezo cherry trees, the Kushiro Yae will follow! The layers of overlapping petals create a stunning sight. We'll post again once they bloom, so stay tuned! 😊

On Friday, May 8th, the cruise ship "Seven Seas Explorer" docked here. 🚢 In the morning, passengers disembarked for a bus tour. 🚌 They toured various attractions in Kushiro City and returned by noon to enjoy local product stalls set up on the earthquake-resistant quay. The farewell event featured Ainu dance by Chaz. Despite the cloudy sky and chilly weather, the passengers stepped out onto the balcony to thoroughly enjoy the performance. And in the end, there was a big round of applause. 👏 When the sound of the ship's horn blew, it evoked a bittersweet feeling, making one want to chase after it. 😢 Thank you for coming to Kushiro! With that sentiment, we waved goodbye enthusiastically. 👋 Bon voyage!

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Port Call Cancellation 🚢 The cruise ship "Riviera," which was scheduled to dock on May 11th (Monday), has been canceled due to strong winds. We regret to inform you of this.😢

May Event Calendar In the future, we plan to publish a monthly event calendar. We will include not only events organized by the tourism association but also local events, so we appreciate any information you can provide. May 24 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM The 〇〇 Marche will be held at Akan Lakeside Campground. This time, the theme is "Fairytale Marche." The aroma of freshly baked bread, sweet treats that make you smile, books that gently flow as you turn the pages, and the calming scent of herbs—why not go in search of such a warm, comforting time? May 26 (Tuesday) Akan Forest Night Walk "KAMUY LUMINA" opens! Follow the 1.2 km nature trail through the lakeside forest of Akan-Mashu National Park, holding a rhythm stick as mysterious events occur at various spots, advancing through stories passed down by the Ainu. This special event within a national park is the first of its kind in the Lumina series. Step into a fantastical world woven with digital art of light and sound, harmonizing with nature.

\The highlight event of the Black Ship Festival is back this year!\ 📍【Reenactment "Signing of the Japan-U.S. Shimoda Treaty"】 Set in the late Edo period in Shimoda, this performance comically reenacts the actual signing of the "Japan-U.S. Shimoda Treaty"! The actors, embodying historical figures, deliver a captivating performance full of realism✨ There are moments that will make you chuckle…!😆 Even those not well-versed in history or children will enjoy it. May 16 (Saturday) 12:40 PM – Ryōsen-ji May 17 (Sunday) 12:30 PM – Shimoda Civic Cultural Hall Parking Lot Experience the unique history of the Black Ship Festival at this event; be sure to check it out at the venue!👀⚓

Have you heard of the Akan Lake First-Year Program? At Lake Akan Onsen, there is a program designed for those visiting for the first time to help them get to know the area and live comfortably. This is the "Akan Lake First-Year Program." Participants can enjoy a stamp rally while interacting with locals, receive special bathing tickets, and gather useful information for living in Lake Akan Onsen. This program has even been recognized by the Immigration Bureau for its local roots. Last year, 90 people became first-year participants. How many first-year participants will we gather this year?

The only exclave in Japan, Kitayamamura in Wakayama Prefecture, has started its tourist rafting. Why not come and experience the thrilling river descent in nature?

More than five Ezo cherry trees have bloomed next to the Marimukan by Lake Akanko!! I’m declaring the blooming on my own🌸

5/7 and 8, Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour The Akebono azaleas were in full bloom. Next time, enjoy the summer season with a large number of flowers. Would you like to explore with a nature guide at an elevation of 1,700 meters?! Upcoming Schedule August 19 (Wed), 20 (Thu) Summer October 7 (Wed), 8 (Thu), 21 (Wed) Autumn 【Reservations and Inquiries】 Saijo City Tourism and Product Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201, Ehime Prefecture TEL: 0897-56-2605

The 87th Black Ship Festival "General Information Pamphlet" is now complete! 📖✨ This pamphlet is packed with information to enjoy the Black Ship Festival, including event schedules, venue guides, and parade route maps. 🙌 "Where is everything happening? 🤔" "What time does the parade start? 👀" This pamphlet will be a great help during those moments! ✨ If you want to fully enjoy this year's Black Ship Festival, be sure to check it out in advance! It will also be distributed in print in the future. 📚 If you come across it, please take a look! ⚓✨

Taken on May 2, 2024. These are the pink lilies of the valley at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. They are known as Peach Blossom Lilies.

【Window Art at Kamu】 The windows of Kamu are beautifully decorated! Using crayons that can be drawn on the window and wiped off with a wet cloth, visitors to Kamu were invited to draw again this year🖍 This time, we set a somewhat abstract theme of "Flowers and Songs." That said, the children freely draw their favorite vehicles and game characters. No matter what kind of drawings they create, when the windows are filled with art, it feels like the roadside station comes alive, bringing a smile to our faces. The windows along the corridor leading from the restroom to the hall are adorned with drawings from children and adults who visited on the first day of the market. On the Flower Park side of the hall, where the mechanical organ plays, there are wonderful paintings by local volunteers lined up. Five artists each expressed the theme in their own unique ways, and I hope many people will come to see the five painted windows together. The exhibition is scheduled to run until mid-July. Please enjoy the windows inside the building along with the Flower Park!

Taken on May 2, 2024. This is the lily of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The language of flowers is "happiness arrives."

【Fitness Room Renovation OPEN】 Available for use from May 1st. ・Operating hours: 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Guests staying with us can use it freely. Take a moment to relax your mind and body during your travels. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Taken on May 2, 2014 (26th year of Heisei). This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine and Suzuran Fūrin, a type of wind chime made from the bellflower, which is popular in Japan.

Wakazono Park Rose Garden Masago 2-chome, Wakasonocho, Ibaraki City Parking... Paid Free Pets are not allowed in Wakazono Park Rose Garden. (Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted.) Approximately 180 varieties of roses, the flower of Ibaraki City, are planted here, with around 1,750 plants blooming beautifully in spring and autumn each year. The best viewing times are from early May to early June and from late October to mid-November. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the roses from the observation deck, making it a relaxing spot for the community. - Closed on Tuesdays (except when that day is a holiday) Surprisingly spacious with a wide variety of roses. It's free, making it a great spot for a little outing or a walk.

＼ RENEWAL OPEN ／ 2026.5.1 FRI A fitness room exclusively for guests will open at the Prince Hotel Kushiro. Refresh in the morning and reset at night. Transform your stay into a more enriching experience. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

🚨 This is the last year‼︎ Be sure to check it out‼︎ The stamp rally for the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" has started on April 24th, marking its final operation this year. 🚂✨ You can collect various designs of the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" stamps at six participating post offices! The period is from April 24, 2026, to April 23, 2027. This will be your last chance, so be sure to take part❣️ For more details, please check the flyer or the participating post offices.

【Tsutsujigahara Morning Walking Tour Starts!】 The season of the blooming Ezo Iso Tsutsuji has arrived. Would you like to take a stroll through Tsutsujigahara, connecting Kawayu Onsen and Mt. Io? The "Tsutsujigahara Morning Walking Tour," where you can observe the Ezo Iso Tsutsuji that will soon be at its peak, is starting! Since the course begins from Kawayu Onsen, you can enjoy the walk on the morning after staying in the hot spring town. <Guide to Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail> ■Period: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 ■Time: Every morning at 6:00 AM (Total duration about 1 hour) Meeting at 5:55 AM, Departure at 6:00 AM. *Cancelled in case of rain ■Participation Fee: 500 yen for elementary school students and above (free for infants) *Cash payment at the venue ■Meeting Place: In front of Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ■Application: Please fill out the application form by 7:00 PM the day before, including: ① Name of the representative ② Number of participants ③ Contact phone number ④ Name of your accommodation. You can access the application form via the QR code on the flyer. *If you cannot send the application, please call the office at 090-2512-3143. [ Notes ] ・This is a tour walking approximately 3 km from Kawayu Onsen to Mt. Io (returning from Mt. Io will be by car). ・Please participate in comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for movement. ・The tour will be cancelled in case of rain. Participants will be notified in case of cancellation. ・The content may change or be cancelled depending on the blooming status of the Iso Tsutsuji. ■Organizer: Akan-Mashu National Park Kawayu Area Management Association ■Contact: 090-2512-3143 (Yoshida) https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/tsutsuji2026/...