Cherry blossom viewing spots in Bungoono City
Sakura blooming update MtOntake Sakura Road
❚ As of March 24, 2026
Along the road on MtOntake in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, about 1,200 cherry trees line the route.

Along the road you can find jindai akebono and Somei-yoshino.
Some Somei-yoshino trees are starting to bloom in places. More blooms are expected to follow.
The jindai akebono are about 10–20% in bloom. Jindai akebono petals are a slightly deeper pink than Somei-yoshino.

Blooming is likely to progress through the weekend.

The views are excellent, making this a great drive.

Location: Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City

■■ Access from Fukuoka, Kumamoto and other prefectures to central Bungoono City ■■■
About a 3-hour drive from JR hakata station in Fukuoka Prefecture
About a 2-hour drive from JR kumamoto station in Kumamoto Prefecture
About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR beppu station in Oita Prefecture
About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture

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Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu
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National Historic Site Shimousa Kogane Nakano Ranch Ruins (Tokkome)
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The Shimousa Kogane Nakano Ranch Ruins are one of the pastures the Tokugawa shogunate established in the Edo period to secure a steady supply of military horses. In the northwest of Chiba Prefecture stood Kogane Pasture, to the north Sakura Pasture, and to the south Mineoka Bokujo. Each pasture was further divided; Kogane Pasture comprised five ranches: Ueno-maki, Nakano-maki, Shimonomaki, Takadadai Pasture, and Inzai Pasture.
Horses inside the ranches were allowed to roam freely and lived almost as wild animals, so they were called wild horses. Once a year, these wild horses were rounded up, captured, and sorted in an event called a noma-tori. The best horses were offered to the shogunate. The facility used for this roundup is called a tokkome, and one still survives in Higashinakazawa 2-chome, Kamagaya City. The tokkome consisted of three enclosures: the capture enclosure (tokkome) for driving and catching the wild horses, the holding enclosure (tamekome) for keeping three-year-old horses, and the release enclosure (haraikome) for returning horses other than three-year-olds to the pasture. The release enclosure remains largely in its original form.
As the surrounding area urbanized, this site proved a valuable ruin for understanding the shogunate’s production of military horses. In February 2007 it became the first pasture site in the country to be designated a National Historic Site.

To promote the name tokkome to a wider audience, the annual Spring Maki Horse Festival is held from April through June. The first event, the Tokkome Cherry Blossom Festival, takes place on Saturday, April 4, during the cherry blossom season at Kaigara-yama Park. On that day we offer guided on-site tours of the tokkome, which are not usually open to the public, along with a small exhibition about the ranch. You can also enjoy pony rides, a stamp rally, a quiz rally, food stalls, and many other booths. Please come and join us. We look forward to welcoming many visitors.

Culture and Sports Division
https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/bunka/kunishiseki/harunomakiuma/index.html

[Ski Resort CLOSED]
Miyanomori Ski Resort in Nishiokoppe Village
ended lift operations for this season on Sunday, March 22.

Thank you very much for visiting us this winter.

Although there are still snowy days, the snow on the roads has melted and the pavement is starting to show.

Spring is almost here 🌸

We look forward to seeing you next ski season!

#Operations ended #Farewell, winter

Photographed on March 1, 2014.
This is the hana-temizu (decorative floral water basin) at the omikuji distribution counter of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Awaji Hanasajiki on Awaji Island. Golden rapeseed flowers, the blue Osaka Bay, and a slightly hazy sky. It's already a spring landscape.

I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store before going to see the Homarezakura cherry blossoms along the Shingashi River.
I had an oat milk latte and a vanilla old‑fashioned doughnut.

Cherry blossom season has arrived 🌸
The lovely pink hues are so soothing ☺️

A sunset that takes your breath away no matter how many times you see it.

From the moment the sun sets,
to the instant it turns into a night view,
every moment makes mealtime special.

Enjoy a variety of lunch options and dinner courses featuring Western and Japanese cuisine, all served with the view from the top floor.

We offer seasonal dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients, such as a limited-time herbal set.

For a quietly lovely time in Kushiro.

👉 For details, follow the link in our profile
▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja

The green season finally begins on Saturday, April 25.

This spring, we are offering three special course meals and cocktails unique to Kussharo Prince Hotel.


We also have experience tours that you can enjoy only in this season.

Enjoy a special time amid the nature of Lake Kussharo.


If you have any questions about access or highlights, please feel free to contact us.

📍Kussharo Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/

Introduction of Supporting Companies: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest
The winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner.

This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order not indicative)


Today we introduce Kawayu Kanko Hotel, a long-established hotel in Kawayu Onsen‼︎📝For more detailed facility information, please check Teshikaga Navi✨Thank you very much to Oyado Kinkiyu Suikazura for cooperating with this event.


We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi.

https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/suikazura/

STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting’s Dosanko Weekend devoted two full weeks to Teshikaga, showcasing it in depth👀❣️

They featured the miraculously clear Lake Mashu, the rare skin-beautifying waters of Kawayu Onsen, delicious local cuisine, and even scenes of people patiently digging into the sand at Sunayu with shovels to reach the hot springs… and much more. Thank you for beautifully introducing all the things to enjoy in Teshikaga 👾💫 It was a lot of fun.

⛰️ Mashu-Kussharo Trail 🚶‍♂️
Would you like to walk with an MKT guide?

Join the event and complete the full MKT route (62.5 km)!
Please take part in any of the events held three times in 2026 and three times in 2027. You may of course join just one event. Those who attend all sessions will receive an original MKT commemorative gift!
https://mashukussharotrail.jp/



Session 1
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 8:30–13:00
Lake Mashu First Observatory to JR Biruwa Station — 7 km


Session 2
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 8:30–13:00
Miruwa Spring to JR Kawayu-Onsen Station — 11 km


Session 3
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30–13:30
JR Kawayu-Onsen Station to Sunayu — 14 km




Capacity: 10 people per session (minimum to run: 5)
Participant requirements: Be in good health and able to walk about 10–15 km in one day. Maximum elevation gain is about 450 m.
Participation fee: JPY 5,000 (tax included) per session
* The fee includes guide services and accident insurance.
* Participants will receive a section map for the route concerned.

Contact
NPO Teshikaga Trail Club
mashu.kussharo.trail@gmail.com
Mashu Kussharo Trail
How to reserve: Apply via the QR code. We will send further details afterward.

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
A wooden Buddhist statue exhibition was on display in the main hall of Chu-in.
From the left: the Eleven-Faced Kannon, an Eleven-Faced Kannon bodhisattva statue, and the Chuguji bodhisattva.

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Nakanoin.

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
These are the weeping cherry tree and mimosa at Nakanoin.
I tried again.

Toyama’s Spring Quartet

Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind.

For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.

Introduction to 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 made possible by the support of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order)

This time, we introduce Orchard grass! Check out Teshikaga Navi for a wide range of information. Thank you very much to Orchard grass for supporting this event!

We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi.

https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/

Event Announcement📣

On Saturday, March 28, the festival where children and adults alike can shine, “Tokachikarapute,” will be held 😊
This time’s theme is “Discovering the Future”🎵
From children’s dance performances and a kids’ festival with games and candy tossing to a wide variety of hands-on booths, heart-and-body healing corners, stage events, and a grand lottery, the event is packed with attractions😍
Come deepen your interests through many different experiences🤗

📍Date and Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11:00–17:00
📍Venue: Tokachi Plaza, 1st Floor

🔶Hands-on Corners
・Cooking observation & experience・Model experience・Nurse experience・Rehabilitation experience・Hand massage experience・Sign language experience

🔶Kids’ Festival Booths
・Shooting gallery・Animal basketball・Bowling・Ring toss

🔶Heart and Body Healing Corner
・Verde・Bi-Leave・HopefulLight・Shinraku Shoku Musubi Kiki・Grandma House Riki
・Shuccho Atama Hogushi more・Murachika・Tetoteto・TeFu, a hidden salon・Tokachi Milk Peace
・Knitting Granny・Total Beauty KUSU♡KUSU・Kato Massage Clinic・KiDoAiraku
・Hand Massage Kanan・Chou Momi, Nou Momi Yuwa YUIWA

🔶Food Stalls
・Takoyaki・French fries・Frankfurters・Chocolate bananas・Tabekko Animal pancakes・Onigiri (rice balls)

🔶Stage Events＊

11:00–11:10 Opening Ceremony
11:30–12:00 Otofuke Baton
12:40–13:00 Obihiro Rhythmic Gymnastics
13:15–13:30 True-or-False Game
13:30–13:45 Candy Toss
14:00–14:30 Yotsuba Dance
14:45–16:15 JOYFIT Dance
16:30–17:00 Lottery

📞Contact: Tokachikarapute Executive Committee TEL:080-5584-4222


https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-23120/

Scenic views are at Prince.

Breathtaking panoramas, majestic vistas, seaside horizons, and starry skies.

Please enjoy these stunning scenes from Prince Hotel locations in video form as well.

Also check the official Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts account.
"Scenic views are at Prince Hotel."
We introduce the scenic experiences of Prince Hotels in Hokkaido.

▶Kushiro Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja

Spectacular views are at Prince.

Breathtaking, grand vistas, ocean panoramas, and star-filled skies.

Please enjoy the stunning scenes from each Prince Hotel region as videos as well.

Also be sure to check the official Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts account.
"Spectacular views are at Prince Hotel."
We introduce the spectacular view experiences at Prince Hotels in Hokkaido.

▶Kussharo Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/

Kushiro, a town chosen as a refuge from pollen and a summer retreat.


In spring, it is chosen as a long-term stay destination by those troubled by hay fever.


In summer, the average temperature hovers around 21°C.
Set in a quiet environment, it is ideal for workations and long stays.


Surrounded by nature, you can enjoy a calm, unhurried time.


Choose a long stay at Kushiro Prince Hotel.
We look forward to welcoming you.


▶Kushiro Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja

Delivered by the guides at Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center! Reihoku fishing seasonal update 🎣

Here are the fish you can catch in Reihoku’s waters at this time of year!
Black sea bream (kurodai/chinu), mullet, squid, and more… Reihoku’s sea offers memories to last a lifetime for beginners and veterans alike.

Amakusa and Reihoku are great not only in summer but in winter too. Come and visit!

Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. Spring is starting to show itself little by little in Shosenkyo Gorge…🌸 The mitsuba azaleas that usually peak around this time are a bit slower this year. Many buds still dot the gorge, so the full bloom will likely be a little way off.

Meanwhile, at Tenkorin we found a tree that bloomed a little early✨ The surroundings remain quiet, but that tree seemed to be announcing the start of spring.

Shosenkyo will soon burst into color, and we’re looking forward to it. The sight of full bloom will have to wait just a bit longer🌿

Hello everyone, this is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. This Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Shiki Community Center in Reihoku will host an event everyone from children to grandparents can enjoy: HAPPY PARTY REIHOKU Sports Exchange.
The highlight this time is the trending world of e-sports.
From an easy-to-play bowling tournament to popular puzzle and versus games, the event is packed with activities that bridge generations.

■ Featured content
E-sports bowling tournament: wonderful prizes await the winner!
Nintendo Switch demo booths: familiar titles such as Suika Game, Super Smash Bros., brain-training games, and racing games will all be available.

If you’re not very familiar with games, don’t worry—this is a great chance to boost your health or discover a new hobby. Come enjoy the event with three generations of your family.

📅 Event details
Date and time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00–15:00
Location: Shiki Community Center, Reihoku (444-1 Shiki, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture)
Who can attend: Everyone (children, students, and seniors are especially welcome!)
Organizer: Amakusa Father’s Club
Supported by: Reihoku and the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association, among others

Contact
Taiyo e-Sports (Contact: Honda)
Phone: 090-2080-0661

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
These are the weeping cherry trees at Temple.

The 18th Spring Maki Uma Festival “Tokkome Cherry Blossom Festival” 🐎🌸
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We are holding a festival in the park near the National Historic Site Remains of Shimousa Kogane Nakanomaki (Wild horse-taming) in Kamagaya City to introduce the historic site to more people!
Events include a quiz rally and stamp rally, pony rides, a horse-drawing corner, an on-site tour of the historic site, a mini exhibition, and food stalls from local neighborhood associations. There will also be a mölkky experience session and distribution of beetle larvae♪
*Various activities are prepared so people of all ages, from children to seniors, can enjoy the day ✨*

Date and Time: Saturday, April 4, 11:00–15:00
Venue: Kaigara-yama Park: 2-22 Hatsutomihoncho, Kamagaya City, Chiba Prefecture
Cultural and Sports Division
https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/bunka/kunishiseki/harunomakiuma/18harumaki.html#cms25B81

I went to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum on my graduation trip.

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
The cherry blossoms at Nakain were in full bloom. 🌸

Event Announcement 📣

From March 27 to March 29, a three-day screening of diverse films, including works directed by Tokachi Tourism Ambassador Yoshiyuki Fuji and director Yoshio Osaka, will be held at Shikaoi Town Community Hall.
The Hokkaido International Film Festival travels across the prefecture to bring new stories to communities without movie theaters.
Please come and enjoy a variety of films if you can 🤗

📍Date and Time: March 27, 2026 – March 29, 2026
📍Venue: Shikaoi Town Community Hall

🔶Advance Tickets: 2-DAY PASS (March 28 & 29) with clear file 4,000 yen (tax included)
1-DAY PASS (March 28 or March 29) 2,000 yen (tax included) ※Free for junior high school students and younger
🔶Ticket Outlets
Shikaoi Town Community Hall, Shikaoi Town Hall Urimaku Branch, Shikaoi Town Chamber of Commerce, CAFE Oshaberi na Photo Studio, Torisei Shikaoi Branch, Usui Tenkodo, Ide Pharmacy, Shimizu Cultural Center, Shintoku Community Center, Makubetsu Centennial Memorial Hall, Otofuke Cultural Center, Memuro Central Community Center, Obihiro Civic Cultural Hall (Ticket Live), Mint Cafe

🔶Same-day Tickets (tax included)
2-DAY PASS (March 28 & 29) 4,000 yen
1-DAY PASS (March 27) 1,000 yen
1-DAY PASS (March 28 or March 29) 2,000 yen
Single Program (one film) 1,000 yen


https://hokkaido-movie.com/shikaoi/

When I felt worn out from relationships and daily life, I looked up and saw beautiful cherry blossoms at night. Bathed in the streetlight and appearing fleeting, the blossoms calmed my heart.