"Mother" Mini Live Keiko Takahashi, known as "Mother" from Nishiokoppe Village. Recently, she held a mini live performance before heading to Tokyo for the finals of the Top Artist Contest.🎆 Ishigaki, who came from Tokoro Town to send her support, and Yanjiro with Kumarobo, along with the Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Taiko Drum Group from Nishiokoppe Village, performed. At the beginning of the live, Mother made her entrance from the back of the audience.🎤 While singing a medley of Linda songs, she walked toward the stage, passing close to the audience gathered that day. She also showcased a real shamisen and a shovel shamisen... She sang "Local Friends*" for the finals of the Top Artist Contest, and her signature song "Mother's Youth is Now" (lyrics and music by Riku Nakanishi). *NHK Hokkaido Hot News Theme song of "Local Friends Stay Diary" With a structure that kept the audience engaged, it was a packed one and a half hours. I thoroughly enjoyed it while taking photos. Mother, please sing your heart out in Tokyo!

Hello! Welcome to Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Branch. 😆 This Golden Week, why not take a deep breath and visit us? 🌿 Experience Japan's most beautiful gorge, Shosenkyo. Indulge in the luxury of walking through a tunnel of fresh greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The approximately 5km promenade features the stunning Senga Falls and a landscape of bizarre rocks and formations that resemble art. ✨ Let's reset both mind and body while enjoying the soothing sounds of water and the negative ions all around us. 😊 Now, at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Branch, we are excited to introduce a perfect wine made from Shine Muscat, just in time for the season. 🍇 We have unique wines like a cloudy Petillant and sparkling wines, as well as our original still wines, all offering the refreshing taste of Shine Muscat. ✨ After being healed by nature, treat yourself to something special. 🍷 If you visit Shosenkyo, be sure to stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Branch. We look forward to welcoming you!

Introduction of the Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Kamewari Onkou Tsuba Signature: Gagetsusai Hamano Naochika (Seal) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 72.5mm, Width 68.5mm, Thickness 4mm Period: Late Edo period, around Bunka and Bunsei School: Hamano school Explanation The Hamano school is a prestigious lineage founded by Masazumi, producing notable artisans such as Kizuzui, Naochika, Horie Kousei, and Iwama Masaru. Naochika, known as Seibei, studied under Kizuzui to hone his skills, leaving behind collaborative works with his master. He resided in Kofu, Kai. This work features high relief carving and inlaid color painting on a quarter-inch surface, depicting the scene of Kamewari Onkou. Kamewari Onkou refers to the story of Sima Guang, a politician from the Northern Song dynasty in China, who cleverly saved a friend who had fallen into a water jar during childhood. This tale teaches that a person's life is more precious than a valuable jar, symbolizing the importance of life in temple carvings and festival floats. It is also known as "Sima Onkou's Jar Breaking" or "Breaking the Jar to Save a Child." https://wakeidou.com/pages/705/...

The beach cleanup activity around Wakoto has been successfully completed‼︎ It seems that some participants joined us after checking out Teshikaga Navi✨ May many people safely enjoy the beautiful Wakin Peninsula this year as well🧹🧼

Even on days when spring feels downcast, a fleeting view can be vibrant, lifting my spirits just a little.

On a morning after the rain, the cherry blossoms scattered on the transparent roof of the parking lot appeared to overlap like a multiple exposure, creating a stunning view. Even when the flowers fall, they remain beautiful.

Osaka Station City 3-1-3 Umeda, Kitaku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture An oasis space that allows you to experience nature within the city, providing relaxation and rejuvenation. The Healing Garden is located on the 10th floor and the Sky Farm is on the 14th floor... Access is by stairs only! A resting area outside Osaka Station City, located above Osaka Station. You can access it via escalators from the Time-Space Plaza. Being an outdoor plaza, it offers a spacious and open atmosphere. With established resting spaces, you can relax comfortably. The Wind Plaza features a rooftop area with flower beds showcasing "seasonal flowers." The types of flowers change with annual event planning, but the planting and displays generally reflect the seasonal themes.

"Shiokaze Garden" on Kasado Island in Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has been trending on social media. I encountered this vibrant spring scene while capturing cherry blossoms for the first time with my new camera. I spotted a single boat coming toward me from the calm waters of the Hiuchi Nada sea, feeling as if it was celebrating the start of a new season and the beginning of my camera journey.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was around 8:30 in the morning. In the afternoon, I tried facial yoga.

Photographed on March 7, 2014. This is the flower water offering at the omikuji (fortune-telling paper strips) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

A vibrant gift found at Tokiwa Shrine🌹 Even on a cloudy day, seeing this red color somehow makes me feel energized.

Announcement of the 32nd Tokachi Aozora Lady appointment😄 Every year, in conjunction with the opening of Banei Tokachi, a certification and handover ceremony for the Tokachi Aozora Lady is held at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse.🎵 This year, the certification and handover ceremony took place on April 17 (Friday). The 32nd Tokachi Aozora Ladies are Chihiro Kiyota and Erina Kato. We appreciate your support!🙏 During the ceremony, bouquets were presented to the 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies, Nozomi Takahashi and Mayuka Ishizaki, in gratitude for their year of activities💐 Thank you for your hard work‼️ As the first task for the 32nd Tokachi Aozora Lady, on that day, we distributed gifts to visitors at the opening of the Obihiro Racecourse, participated in the ceremony, and finally appeared on "Bansta"❗️ Thank you‼️ Banei Tokachi is a competition where draft horses pull heavy iron sleds, competing in speed and strength‼️ It is held every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. On April 26 (Sunday), the 20th Banei Tokachi Odds Park Cup❗️ The day will be filled with events! A collaboration event with "Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji" exclusively for visitors! A prize lottery, and a comedy stage featuring impersonations by Yoshimoto comedians will be available for your enjoyment😍 Additionally, in the evening, a show titled "Hanasaku Banei" featuring 500 drones lighting up the night sky will be held (around 21:15)✨✨ Be sure to come and cheer on the powerful draft horses up close🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/about_tokachi/page-55-2/...

This year, the large ball flowers have bloomed beautifully in the nearby park. Many small flowers gather closely together, forming a round and large spherical shape that resembles a 'temari' (handball), which is how they got their name 'Otemari'.

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedō Title: Akikusamushi zu Kozuka Signature: Made by Nakagawa Isshō Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 97.5mm, Width 14.5mm Period: Last of Edo School: Goto Ichijō school Description Nakagawa Isshō is a distinguished craftsman from the Goto Ichijō school. He was initially called Naojirō and later Gohei, born as the second son of Nakagawa Katsusuke in 1829 in Tsuyama, Mimasaka. The Nakagawa family has served the Matsudaira clan of Tsuyama for generations and he first studied under his father, taking the name Katsumi and becoming a clan craftsman. Later, on command, he went to Kyoto and became a disciple of Goto Ichijō. In 1851, he went to Edo with his master and was permitted to take the name Ikki in 1857. After Ichijō returned to Kyoto in 1862, he remained in Edo, serving the Tsuyama clan there, and changed his name to Isshō around this time. His work is similar to that of his master Ichijō. This piece is also of excellent quality, resembling Ichijō's work, and the short verse on the back is a poem by Ichijō.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Introducing the spring staple event "Zenkoji Flower Corridor"✨ "Zenkoji Flower Corridor Overview" 【Event Period】May 3rd (Sunday, National Holiday) to May 5th (Tuesday, National Holiday) Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pedestrian Paradise) <Venue> Zenkoji Omotesando, Nagano Omotesando Central Square, TOiGO Plaza, etc. "Implemented Events" 【Tapestry Garden】 Using around 10,000 flower pots of petunias, marigolds, and coleus, geometric patterns will be created on the streets. Students from the Sarashina Agricultural High School in Nagano City are responsible for the design and production. <Venue> Nagano Ginza (in front of TOiGO) 【Floating Flower Canvas】 Water will be filled in pots and basins, with colorful flowers floating to create ground art known as "Floating Flower Canvas." This year, some pots will include petunias to decorate the Omotesando. <Venue> Nishigocho (in front of Nagano Omotesando Central Square) 【Flower Garden】 The garden creations by horticulturists are truly impressive. <Venue> In front of Hachijuni Nagano Bank Daimoncho Branch, in front of Hotel JAL City Nagano 【Flower Contest】 A contest popular among gardening enthusiasts featuring hanging baskets and container plants (standard). <Venue> Nagano Omotesando Building Pocket Park 【Flower Marche and Flower Corridor Market】 Booths will sell craft items themed around "flowers" and local specialties. Additionally, gourmet foods certified as "100-Year Foods" by the Cultural Affairs Agency, including "Nagano City's flour products," will gather in one place. <Venue> Tōzai Ushiromachi and Nagano Omotesando Central Square #Zenkoji Flower Corridor #Flower #Event #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

The Junmai Kan Sake Enjoyment Event in Kawayu Onsen is confirmed! The Junmai Kan Sake Enjoyment Event in Kawayu Onsen will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Kawayu Kanko Hotel Convention Hall Laputa. Many famous breweries will gather for this event to enjoy junmai kan sake. The fee is 7,500 yen per person, and ticket sales will end on June 13. Please note that sales will close when the capacity is reached, even before the deadline, so act quickly. Hot springs, warm sake, and delicious food. That's why Kawayu is irresistible. 【Junmai Kan Sake Enjoyment Event in Kawayu Onsen】 Date and Time Sunday, June 21, 2026 17:20 - Reception / 17:45 - Doors Open / 18:00 - Start / 20:00 - Expected End Venue Kawayu Kanko Hotel Convention Hall Laputa 1-2-30 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun Tickets 1 ticket per person ¥7,500 (tax included) All seating / 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》 ⚫︎Hatake Sake Brewery (Shiga Prefecture) 《Daijiro》 ⚫︎Henmi Shuzo (Niigata Prefecture) 《Maaya・Shichi》 ⚫︎Moriki Sake Brewery (Mie Prefecture) 《Rumiko no Sake》 *Please note that participating breweries and representatives may change. Ticket Purchase & Inquiries Kawayu Sake Association (Nishizawa Shoten Co., Ltd.) Contact: Kaneko Phone Number: 015-483-2347 Email Address: kin311@aurora.ocn.ne.jp Check the temporary information and details from the QR code on the flyer! https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/sakesaketanoshimu/...

🌈 Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar – May 3rd in Yatsugatake, Japan 🌈 Would you like to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the beautiful nature of Yatsugatake during Golden Week? This special bazaar is held only twice a year. ✨ What you can enjoy: 🌈 Hokkaido potato chips 🌈 Hokkaido beet sweets 🌈 Handmade items created through prayer 🌈 Head massage 🌈 Body healing sessions 🌈 Spiritual readings 🌈 Sacred spring water from the "Owl Tree" 🌈 The unique "Hazama Burger" 🌈 Soft and chewy sweets …and many more lovely stalls We also provide a childcare area with a professional caregiver and a nursing space, so families with small children are very welcome. You can also meet and interact with our lovely sheep, Mary and Isaac 🐏✨ ⸻ 📍 Date: May 3rd, 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) 📍 Location: Maria Trinity Church 6621-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi, Japan 🔗 Map: Search for "Maria Trinity Church" on Google. 🎟 Admission: Free 🅿️ Parking available ♿ Barrier-free restroom 🍼 Nursing space available ⸻ We are looking forward to seeing you there ✨

🌈 Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar – May 3rd in Yatsugatake, Japan 🌈 Would you like to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the beautiful nature of Yatsugatake during Golden Week? This special bazaar is held only twice a year. ✨ What you can enjoy: 🌈 Hokkaido potato chips 🌈 Hokkaido beet sweets 🌈 Handmade items created through prayer 🌈 Head massage 🌈 Body healing sessions 🌈 Spiritual readings 🌈 Sacred spring water from the “Owl Tree” 🌈 The unique “Hazama Burger” 🌈 Soft and chewy sweets …and many more lovely stalls We also provide a childcare area with a professional caregiver and a nursing space, so families with small children are very welcome. You can also meet and interact with our lovely sheep, Mary and Isaac 🐏✨ ⸻ 📍 Date: May 3rd, 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) 📍 Location: Maria Trinity Church 6621-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi, Japan Search for “Maria Trinity Church” on Google. 🎟 Admission: Free 🅿️ Parking available ♿ Barrier-free restroom 🍼 Nursing space available ⸻ We are looking forward to seeing you there ✨

The 36th Rekifune River Clear Stream Carp Streamers has begun! This springtime tradition in Taiki Town features around 550 carp streamers swimming above the Rekifune River! This year, we have also installed handmade carp streamers created by children during a workshop held in March. On May 5th, we will host the annual "Children's Day Mini Event"! More details will be announced later. Stay tuned! 🎏 The 36th Rekifune River Clear Stream Carp Streamers 【Period】April 17 (Friday) - May 6 (Wednesday) 【Location】Rekifune River Taiki Bridge Upstream Riverbed

【Miyoshi Spring Tour Model Plan🌸】 Don't miss out on a day trip! Here’s a two-day, one-night plan to fully enjoy Miyoshi in spring! At the facilities marked with a 🚗, you can use the driving discount from the Miyoshi Town Walking app✨ Be sure to download it and give it a try! 【DAY 1】 ◼︎Toretta Miyoshi Address: 10438 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-65-6311 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Second Wednesday of every month (the following day if it’s a holiday) and New Year holidays ◼︎Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery Address: 10445-3 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-64-0200 Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Closed: Second Wednesday from December to March, December 29 to January 1 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎Miyoshi Asobi no Okoku Address: 10493 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-62-1994 ◼︎Cafe Coniglia Address: 47-1 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-63-8717 Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays, third Sundays (the following day if it’s a holiday) 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎Hiroshima Prefectural History and Folklore Museum (Miyoshi Fudoki no Oka Museum) Address: 122 Odakuyacho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-66-2881 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎Miyoshi Grand Hotel Address: 10-1 Tokkaichiminami 1-chome, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-63-3111 【DAY 2】 ◼︎Rail Mountain Bike 'Sakura Cycle' at the Former JR San'yo Line Ozekiyama Station Address: 1770 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 090-8646-6125 Hours: March to November (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (every 30 minutes) (Last boarding time: 3:30 PM) Closed: Mondays to Fridays ◼︎Hanauta Shokudo Address: 1691-4 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Closed: Varies by month *Please check the "Store and Merchandise Information" on the Miyoshi Mononoke Museum website ◼︎Yumoto Goichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum) Address: 1691-4 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-69-0111 Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Closed: Wednesdays 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎cafe Fun Fun Fun Address: 1402 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City 【March】 Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays to Fridays 【April】 Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM) Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM) Closed: Thursdays and Fridays 【MEMO】 The business days and hours will change from April! Now open on Mondays to Wednesdays, in addition to weekends! Enjoy a relaxing morning in a calm atmosphere✨ If you have any recommended spots in Miyoshi, please let us know in the comments!☺️💕

Taken on March 7, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water ritual at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

——— Floating Island in the Sky This was captured by aerial photography along with the sky reflected on the water's surface. Hinocho, Shiga Prefecture, Hino River Dam Ukishima April 2026 *Contact with the management office has been confirmed *Comprehensive flight permission for unmanned aircraft obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism *Flight plan notification and flight log creation

[Activity Report] We held a rice planting monitoring tour at the Sky Terraced Rice Fields in Reihoku on April 19th.🧑‍🌾 Hello everyone, this is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On Sunday, April 19th, we conducted the "Reihoku Sky Terraced Rice Fields Rice Planting Monitoring Tour." Although it was a light rain on the day, working in the fog-shrouded, magical rice terraces provided a deep and tranquil experience, different from sunny days. ■Experience the abundant "daily life of farmers" During this tour, participants not only planted rice but also harvested fresh asparagus and experienced shiitake mushroom inoculation. 🌾Rice Planting: Enjoying the feel of the cold mud, step by step. Planting seedlings in the fog allowed for a pleasant concentration. Asparagus Harvest: Picking the fresh asparagus on-site. The joy of harvesting blew away the fatigue of work. 🍄‍🟫Shiitake Inoculation: The sound of tapping on the wood echoed in the rainy rice terraces. We also experienced this long-lasting job while thinking about the harvest. ■Lunch time accompanied by the "sound of rain" We enjoyed our lunch under the roof, with the sound of rain as our background music. We will take the feedback from this monitoring tour to gradually implement various experience menus. Thank you very much to everyone who participated, especially in the rain!

Cherry blossoms have started to bloom near the entrance of Highland Skating Center, on the east side of Midori Gaoka Park in Tomakomai City🌸 The full bloom at Kintaro Pond, located southwest of Midori Gaoka Park, the city's top cherry blossom spot, seems to be a little further away.

The 18th Spring Baki Horse Festival "Tokkome Yosai – Rakugo and Skit" ――― A Rakugo performance by the Kan'entei Ichimon will be held in the area associated with the famous "Kongen-tei Basho"! Enjoy a variety of Rakugo performances and the unique atmosphere of a live performance that you can't experience anywhere else. This year is the Year of the Horse! There will be a special lottery to commemorate the Year of the Horse 🐎 We hope to see you there! ✨ 【Date】Saturday, May 9th 【Time】Doors open: 1:00 PM, Performance starts: 1:30 PM 【Venue】Kirari Kamagaya Civic Center Kirari Hall 1-1-3 Tomioka, Kamagaya City, 3rd Floor Shopping Plaza Kamagaya 3-minute walk from Hatsutomi Station on the Keisei Matsudo Line (Public transportation recommended) 【Capacity】500 people (all seats reserved) *Admission for preschool children is not allowed. *Preschool children can enter only in the parent-child seating area (first 8 seats, reservation required) 【Application】Kamagaya City Cultural and Sports Division (phone, in-person, application form) By 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 7th 【Fees】Advance tickets: 2,000 yen, On-the-day tickets: 2,500 yen (No on-the-day tickets will be sold if advance tickets are sold out) 1,000 yen for junior high school students and under (same price for advance and on-the-day tickets) Please check the city’s homepage for more details! 【Cultural and Sports Division】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kanko-bunka-sports/bunka/kunishiseki/harunomakiuma/18harumaki.html...

Travelling through Japan, Onsen are one of the major destinations for quiet rural getaways. Many towns have grown up entirely around their onsen, which are famed for health benefits as well as the rest and relaxation they provide. But going into an onsen is an involved process: There is etiquette to follow, many onsen have policies against tattoos, and of course, at the very least, you have to change out of your clothing and pay to go in. But virtually none of the above applies to the humble foot bath. "Ashiyu" in Japanese, these mini-onsen for your feet can be found around the country in many onsen towns, and are often free and available for public use. It is a testament to Japan's excellent public order that these baths, available for free to everyone, are clean and well maintained. It couldn't be much simpler to use the bath. Take off your shoes and socks, roll up your sleeves if needed, and there you go! Just soaking your feet can be a surprisingly relaxing experience, and you couldn't ask for a lower barrier to entry. As a courtesy to others, practice common sense if your feet are muddy or dirty, but otherwise you can't go wrong. Generally there are no towels available, so it is good to have your own, especially if you are visiting in winter.

Taken on March 25, 26. This is Maestro on the 1st floor of Resona Koedo Terrace, open every Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM. It features Winter Berry Mocha and a financier made with buckwheat and matcha.

This is a waterway (Lake Biwa Canal) constructed during the Meiji era to draw water from Lake Biwa in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, to Kyoto. It has been designated as a national historic site.