【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.

"The Illusion of the Boundary" Along the coast, amidst the windbreak forest of pines, a sudden appearance of a glowing pink cluster caught my eye. It looked more like an illusion than beautiful. What kind of flower is it? As I approached slowly, I realized it was not flowers, but a mass of Akamegashiwa leaves. This mysterious scene is etched in my memory.

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'.

"Spring's Afterglow" Bathed in the lingering warmth of the setting sun, pink petals that have descended onto the grass shimmer beautifully, though fleetingly. The flare of the afterglow filtering through the lens adds an even more fantastical touch to the scene. In that place where the wind has ceased and silence has arrived, the spring's memory quietly bids farewell to this day.

"Sakura no Se" As spring passes by, it quietly accumulates in the cracks of ancient trees. It resembles the "shallows" created by petals that hurriedly fall. A delicate pink innocence snuggles against the tightly closed darkness. Staying here is also a story in itself. In a place where no one sees its beauty, time quietly watches over.

"Light of the Abyss" The light of late spring embraced by the deep green of ginkgo trees. Captured with an old lens, this light signifies a quiet transition of the seasons.

"Prelude to Departure" The season when dandelions take flight. I waited patiently to capture that moment as they soared on the wind.

The Silence of the Wind West Park, Fukuoka. Water collected at the drinking spot near the summit from the rain that had fallen until this morning. When I peered in, beautiful cherry blossom petals floated on the surface, and in the background, the tree that once bloomed those petals was reflected. I waited for a moment when the strong wind at the summit stopped to press the shutter.

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.

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【On May 3rd, Yamanashi Prefecture Yatsugatake♪ Announcement of Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar🌈】 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 Numerous shops will be lined up✨❣️ The venue will also have "childcare by certified caregivers" and "nursing space" available, so families with small children can come 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, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

【May 3rd at Yatsugatake, Yamanashi Prefecture ♪ Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar 🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? This special bazaar is 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 "Childcare with a Nursery Teacher on Site" 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 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, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ I look forward to seeing you on the day! ✨

【On May 3rd, Yatsugatake in Yamanashi Prefecture♪ Announcement of Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar🌈】 How about spending a relaxing time surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake at the church during the Golden Week? This special bazaar is 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✨❣️ Additionally, the venue is equipped with "Childcare with Nursery Staff" and "Nursing Space," so parents with small children can visit with peace of mind. You can also interact with Marie 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✨

A quiet moment spent at Kushiro Prince Hotel. The port town stretches out beyond the large window, with the sun slowly setting. This view, known as one of the three great sunsets in the world. Just gazing at it brings a deep sense of tranquility. With the arrival of spring, sunset approaches around 6 PM. I savor the end of the day, which has grown just a little longer. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

These are the flowers of the spiraea that bloomed in a nearby park. It seems they were named "temari" because the many small flowers cluster closely together, forming a round, large ball that resembles a "temari".

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Takanoha Mon Chirashi Zu Tsuba Signature: Koyama Motohiro made this, Touryusai Kiyotoshi carved it Bunsei 13th year, Oborotsuki, requested by Arakawa Kougyo Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 86.5mm Width 83mm Thickness 4.5mm Period: AD 1830 School: Touryusai school Description This is a tsuba crafted by Koyama Motohiro, the official swordsmith of the Nihonmatsu Domain, with engraving done by Touryusai Kiyotoshi. Koyama Motohiro was the finest swordsmith of the Nihonmatsu Domain, having trained under Kunisada in Sendai and further honing his skills in Edo under Suishinshi Masahide. The Touryusai school traces its origins to Kiyotoshi Tanaka, who was born in Aizu in the first year of the Bunka era and is said to have trained in the Aizu Shōami school during his youth. He honed his skills under Kōno Shunmei when the latter visited Tōhoku, completing a clever style known as the Touryusai school that became popular during the late Edo period. This tsuba is a collaboration between a swordsmith and a metalworker, making it a rare piece.

📍Fukuoka Prefecture, Chikuzen Town, Fuji no Sato Park April 20, 2026 A wisteria trellis over 100 years old. There are also white and pink wisteria varieties. A 100-year-old wisteria located in the grounds of Kamitakaba Daijingu Shrine 📍1784-1 Kamitakaba, Chikuzen Town, Asakura District, Fukuoka Prefecture 🅿️Temporary parking available, food stalls present About a 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu Bus "Kurita".