The carp streamers and the giant ema at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The ascending carp seems to bring good fortune. 🎏

【Shibazakura Takinoue Park Information on May 5】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Due to the snow from last night, the opening was slightly delayed for snow removal, but we are open today as well. The forecast predicts a high of 17°C, warmer than yesterday. However, the Shibazakura Takinoue Park is covered in snow this morning, hiding the shibazakura flowers. Please be careful on your feet and enjoy this rare scenery. The blooming status is at 50%. From May 3 to May 5, there will be a sightseeing guide and park tour by the mayor of Takinoue Town, Naohiro Kiyohara, from 10:00 AM! Why not take this opportunity to walk around the park with the mayor? Additionally, new features such as the 'Tenro Staircase' and 'TAKINOUE Object' have been added, creating even more photogenic scenery at Shibazakura Takinoue Park. We look forward to your visit. On the weekend of the 10th, a photo seminar titled 'Color Expression of Shibazakura' will be held by a professional photographer. Even if you don’t have your own equipment, Nikon will lend you professional gear, so feel free to join us. Children, including elementary and middle school students, are welcome to participate. Family participation is also highly encouraged! We look forward to seeing everyone. ------------------------ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Admission Fee 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 #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #ShibazakuraTakinouePark #Photo Seminar #Nikon #Hisao Asano

Today is Children's Day. 🎏 This is the swimming carp boy from Taisho Roman Yume Dori.

A stunning display of carp streamers spreads across the rice fields! The Koinobori Revival Project: Let the carp streamers swim high in the sky! 【Event Dates】 ◆April 6th to May 2nd, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ​Exhibition of carp streamers ​ *Please note that the carp streamers may not be displayed in strong winds or rain. ◆May 3rd to May 5th, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Nighttime (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM) illumination available 【Location】2-29-20 Higashifukui, Ibaraki City The location is about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot of Shinryu-ji Temple. If you wish to see the carp streamers, please park your car at the parking lot of Shinryu-ji Temple.🎏

Taken on April 15, 2014. This is a café latte from cafe andon, along with a matcha shortcake topped with strawberries and red bean paste. What a lovely latte art! 😊

Spring begins. A place enveloped by the lake and sky. Kussharo Prince Hotel. Experience the scenery unique to this season. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Introduction of a Wakizashi from Wakedo Inscription: Inoue Shinkai (Kikumon) Kanbun 13th year, August Sign: Inoue Shinkai (kikumon) Kanbun 13 nen 8 gatsuhi Certification: Special Preservation Sword by the Nihon Token Hozon Kyokai Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Tokubetsu Hozon Touken Dimensions: Length 1 shaku 5 sun 5 bu (47 cm), Curvature 1.2 cm, Mekugi hole 1, Width at the base 30.3 mm, Width at the tip 21.5 mm, Weight at the base 6.5 mm Size: Blade length 46 cm, Curvature 0.8 cm, Mekugi 1 Hole Country: Settsu Province Country: Settu Period: Mid Edo, Kanbun 13th year Period: Mid of Edo AD 1673 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an elevated ridge, with a slight curvature, showing a difference in width between the base and the tip. Forging: Well-packed itame-hada, slightly standing grain, with a thin layer of ji-nuri. Hamon: A wave-like straight edge with mixed gunome, featuring tobiyaki and a bright, deep nioi. Boshi: Beautifully rounded Carving: The front features a lotus pedestal and the back has a dokko sword Tsuba: Unpolished, with a raised point and a decorative file finish. Shirasaya: Yes Explanation During the Shin-to period, Inoue Shinkai was recognized as one of the top swordsmiths alongside Tsuda Echizen-no-kami Sukehira, receiving the highest accolades for new swords. The second generation Kunisada, Inoue Shinkai was the second son of the first Izumi no Kami Kunisada. Initially, he was named Izumi no Kami Kunisada like his father, and after being granted permission to use the kikumon by the court in the 4th year of Manji, he began to call himself Inoue Izumi no Kami Kunisada. Later, in the 12th year of Kanbun, he changed his name to Inoue Shinkai. Shinkai was a superior craftsman compared to his father, producing waves of nioi and displaying remarkable vitality and clarity, earning him a high reputation alongside other top swordsmiths of the new sword era, such as Tsuda Echizen-no-kami Sukehira and Nagasone Kotetsu, eventually being referred to as Osaka Masamune. This piece is a wakizashi inscribed by Shinkai in the 13th year of Kanbun, recognized as a top-quality work from the new sword era and celebrated as one of the best.

Taken on April 15, 26. This is the matcha shortcake with strawberries and red bean paste from cafe andon. It was a limited-time menu and has now ended.

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on May 4】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. The maximum temperature is 3°C, making it a cold day with rain and wind. We recommend dressing warmly. The cherry blossoms are at 50% bloom. From May 3 to May 5, from 10:00 AM, there will be a guided tour by the mayor of Takinoue Town, Naohiro Kiyohara! Why not take this opportunity to walk around the park with the mayor? Additionally, new features like the 'Tenro Staircase' and 'TAKINOUE Objects' have been added, creating even more photogenic scenery at Shibazakura Takinoue Park. We look forward to your visit. On the weekend of the 10th, a photo seminar titled 'Color Expression of Shibazakura' will be held by a professional photographer. If you don't have your own equipment, Nikon will lend you high-quality gear, so feel free to join us. Children, including elementary and middle school students, are also welcome to participate. Families are encouraged to join! We look forward to seeing you all. ------------------------ 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Admission Fee 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 #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Photo Seminar #Nikon #Hisaaki Asano

I came back again this year! It's the Koinobori Festival at the Ryujin Suspension Bridge 🎏 I usually arrive early, so there weren't 1,000 carp this time 💦 This year's new discovery! The "Ryujin Café" I casually dropped by was absolutely amazing ☕️ Looking up at the carp from below was much more dynamic and beautiful than viewing from above, as they seemed to swim through the sky ✨ The scenery was beautiful, and I was thrilled to find such high-quality food as well. I'm definitely going to be a regular now 👍 Being healed by delicious pasta and a stunning view made for the perfect holiday...

Happy New Year! One Mt. Fuji, two hawks, and three eggplants! Best wishes to everyone! I am Kazumi Sugimoto, a member of the Future Party. In 2026, I will continue to support you with all my efforts. May the new year be wonderful for you. Wishing you a great year ahead! 🎉

Taken on April 15, 2014. This is Andon Chicken Curry from cafe andon. It's my favorite menu. 😊🍛

The black cat has come to play. It is playing with a cat teaser.🐈‍⬛

Taken on May 1, 26. After the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki-dōri Store. Thank you for drawing the cat illustration. It's an oat milk latte and chocolate babka. I'll do my best for the cat treats.🐈🐈‍⬛

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on May 3】Good morning! This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. The sun is shining on the park this morning, showcasing beautiful scenery. The maximum temperature is expected to be 10°C, so it would be good to have something to wear. The blooming status is at about 40-50%. From May 3 to 5, there will be a tourism guide and park tour by the mayor of Takinoue Town, Naohiro Kiyohara, starting at 10:00 AM! Why not take this opportunity to walk around the park with the mayor? Additionally, new attractions such as the "Tenro Staircase" and "TAKINOUE Object" have been added, creating an even more photogenic landscape at Shibazakura Takinoue Park. We look forward to your visit! On the weekend of the 10th, a "Natural Light x Shibazakura" photo seminar will be held by a professional photographer. Even if you don’t have your own equipment, Nikon will provide professional gear for you to borrow, so feel free to join us. Children, including elementary and middle school students, are also welcome to participate. Families are encouraged to join! We look forward to seeing you all. ------------------------ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM) Admission 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 #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Photo Seminar #Nikon #Kusao Asano

Taken on May 1, 26. This is the year-round safe fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The deep green color is said to be Tokiwagi.

At the Hishikawa Shisenobu Memorial Hall, a mini-exhibition titled "Landscapes of Boso Painted by Hiroshige" is being held until June 21. It features 25 ukiyo-e landscape paintings of Boso by Utagawa Hiroshige, known for works like "The Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." The exhibition includes pieces depicting Mount Nokogiri and Hota Coast, making it enjoyable for both locals and tourists. Hiroshige, who arrived at the Boso Peninsula by boat from Edo, left behind numerous landscapes of the region. These include Mt. Kano in Kimitsu City, Kanaya in Futtsu City, and Hota Coast in Kyonan Town. Highlights of the exhibition include ten photographs taken by the director, Hiroki Sasaoka, specifically for this event. He walked the same paths as Hiroshige and captured the same scenery to compare with Hiroshige's paintings. "I walked the ancient roads while looking at town histories. The same landscapes remain as before," says Director Sasaoka. Notably, the view of Mount Fuji seen across the sea of Utsubusa is striking. "Hiroshige competed with Hokusai by stating, 'I will paint Mount Fuji realistically, while Hokusai painted it as a design.' I hope you can see his determination," explains Director Sasaoka. Hiroshige's depiction of Mount Fuji features shadows, the atmosphere around the mountain tinged red, and a gradient in the sky, all captured with a sense of realism. Please come and see it! ◆Hishikawa Shisenobu Memorial Hall Opening Hours From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Closed on Mondays (the following Tuesday if it falls on a holiday) New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 3) Admission Fee General and university students: 500 yen (400 yen) Elementary, middle, and high school students: 400 yen (300 yen) *(Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more)* Access By train: 15-minute walk from JR Utsubusa Line Hota Station or Awa-Katsuyama Station By car: 5 minutes from Nokogiri Hota IC on the Futtsu-Kanaya Expressway, along National Route 127, inside the Kyonan Roadside Station.

It's amazing how just seeing this color the moment I leave the house in the morning makes me think, "Let's do our best today!" The power of plants is incredible 😊

Fishing at Akanko Lake and the Akan River has been opened since yesterday, May 1st! 🎣✨ Enjoy fishing at the sacred site of Akanko Lake!♪ Check out the fishing regulations and various services here: https://www.koudai-akan.com/fishingland.html...

💡Information about the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest are currently on display at Tancho Kushiro Airport! We invite you to come and enjoy them together📸✨ Period: May 1, 2026 - May 30 Location: Tancho Kushiro Airport

From May 1st to October 31st, the Cycling Stamp Rally will kick off! In the Mashu and Kussharo area, the best cycling season has arrived, filled with clear air and beautiful greenery! Why not collect stamps while enjoying the magnificent nature in Japan's largest caldera? This year, the "Granfondo Mashu Cycling Stamp Rally" will be held again. There will be 24 stamp points throughout Teshikaga, and the event will run for about six months from Friday, May 1, 2026, to Saturday, October 31, 2026. In addition to the stunning Lake Mashu and Mt. Atosanupuri (Mt. Io), there are also breathtaking mountain passes! Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a fast-paced adventure, enjoy cycling at your own pace. For more details, please check out Teshikaga Navi! 🚲✨

In 2026, rental bicycles will be launched in Teshikagacho! Starting May 1, 2026, rental bicycles will be available at three facilities within Teshikagacho. Enjoy the scenery that can only be seen by bike! Even if you can't drive, you can easily move from your accommodation to nearby tourist spots! These bicycles can be used in various situations. Reservations and payments can be made through the booking site. Convenient and easy! Please use them according to your travel plans.

🌸 The cherry blossoms are in full bloom! 🌸 The image shows the cherry blossoms at "Idemitsu Culture Park" in the city center. The blooming of cherry blossoms in Tomakomai tends to be later compared to Sapporo, often blooming in mid-May, but it seems to be getting earlier each year. 🌸 Could this be due to climate change? (Image provided by Tomakomai City Museum)

Taken on May 1, 2014. This is a moegi-colored fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is said to be available for a limited time.

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on May 2】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. It has been raining lightly since morning, but it has calmed down a bit now. The maximum temperature will be 9°C, so it would be good to have something to wear over your clothes. From May 3 to May 5, from 10:00 AM, there will be a guided tour by the town mayor, Naohiro Kiyohara! Why not take this opportunity to walk around the park with the mayor? Additionally, new features such as the "Tenro Stairs" and "TAKINOUE Object" have been introduced, making Shibazakura Takinoue Park even more photogenic. We look forward to your visit. Today, May 2 (Saturday) and May 3 (Sunday), the "Takinoue Marche" will be held at Kaori no Sato Takinoue Michi-no-Eki for two days! There are many original menus that you can only enjoy here! There will also be a white motorcycle and a grass harvester, and this year, a high-altitude work vehicle will be available for a riding experience! Fun for both children and adults awaits. Enjoy the Golden Week in Takinoue! We look forward to seeing you. ------------------------ 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Admission 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 #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park

Taken on May 1, 26. I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Until the evening of May 6, a thousand carp will be displayed at the gokoku shrine. The hanging carp decorations were offered with hopes for the healthy growth and peace of children.

From the summit of a small mountain called Uomidake in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, you can see a landscape that feels like a foreign land. Since there are not many tourists, you can take your time.

A special moment spent at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. Breathtaking views, spacious rooms, and meals that satisfy the soul. In spring at Kussharo, you can also encounter the unique nature and wildlife of the season. Take a break from your daily routine and enjoy the leisurely flow of time. We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Enjoy the great nature of Togakushi and Iizuna! Special feature on highland drives✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!〉 ① Togakushi Shrine Okusha This is the shrine located at the innermost part of Togakushi Shrine. The cedar tree path, which is over 400 years old and located halfway along the 2 km approach, is famous for its enchanting scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors from both Japan and abroad in recent years. It is said to have divine virtues for good fortune, fulfilling wishes, abundant harvests, and sports victories. 【Time Required】<To Okusha> About 40 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance <To Suijinmon> About 20 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance. *It is recommended to take photos near Suijinmon. 【Parking】About 100 cars (large buses allowed) near the entrance (paid) ② Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi is famous for its autumn leaves, but the greenery is stunning in this season! Nearby, there is a café known for its delicious galettes made from buckwheat flour! 【Parking】50 cars *During the autumn foliage season, traffic restrictions may apply (please check the Togakushi Tourism Association's website for information). ③ Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It is ideal for outdoor schools and family camping in the great outdoors. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it is one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the river flowing through the site. 【Business Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4 (planned) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or on the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) ④ Togakushi Soba Togakushi soba, one of Japan's three great soba, has been passed down as a portable food for ascetic monks, and its flavor stands out due to the refreshing climate and environment! There are many soba shops in Togakushi, so be sure to stop by. ⑤ Nagano Forest Village About 30 minutes by car from Nagano City. Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy a moment away from daily life at "Nagano Forest Village." Inside the facility, "Mori no Eki Daizahoushi" features a market with local vegetables and specialties, a café restaurant using plenty of local ingredients sold at the market, and an indoor activity area equipped with tree houses and ample monitoring space. 【Business Hours】 Indoor activities, market 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Café restaurant 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (LO 8:00 PM) 【Parking】180 cars (free) *For details, please check the official website and social media. ⑥ Forest Adventure Nagano The four zip slides over 150 meters long that glide above Ozahōshi Pond provide an exhilarating experience! Group training for companies and use by local schools and organizations are also possible. 【Business Hours】9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (varies by season) 【Parking】180 cars (free) #Togakushi #Iizuna Highland #Drive #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism