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

Hello, this is Minamoto 😊 The beautiful season of fresh greenery has finally arrived in Shosenkyo Gorge, where the buds of the trees are flourishing, making it a delightful time for a stroll 🌿 The clear waters of the river, the unique rock formations, and the blooming Mitsubatsutsuji create a stunning landscape, offering a refreshing experience of nature that is different from the vibrant autumn colors that adorn the valley ✨ During the Golden Week, especially when the young leaves are shining ✨, a popular and recommended route is to walk from the Tenjinmori Municipal Parking Lot along the path by the gorge, passing through the Stone Gate and reaching Senga Falls 🚶‍♂️ Please give it a try♪ Currently, we at Minamoto have received a variety of new products‼️ The photo shows a Lemurian Seed Crystal 💎 When you go out, please come and see it 😊 Also, during the Golden Week period from May 2nd to 6th, the shops in the Shosenkyo Falls area and along the Crystal Highway will extend their hours by 30 minutes, staying open until 5:30 PM 🕔 *Some stores may be excluded. If you have time, please come and visit us 🍀 All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you 👋

Introduction of Japanese Swords from Wakedo Inscription: Made by Akitsugu Amata (Living National Treasure) Heisei 15, Yayoi Kichijitsu Sign: Akitsugu Amata korewo tsukuru (living national treasure) Heisei 15 (AD 2003) Yayoi (March) Kichijitsu Box: With original box Dimensions: Blade length 2 shaku 4 sun 5 bu (74.5 cm), curvature 2.4 cm, mekugi hole 1 Width at the base: 32.5 mm, width at the tip: 24 mm, thickness at the base: 8 mm Size: Blade length 74.5 cm, curvature 2.4 mm, mekugi 1 hole Country: Echigo Province Period: Heisei 15 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an-tō, body width, thickness balance, curvature, middle cut tip, resembling a tachi from the Kamakura period Forging: Well-packed ko-itame, with chikei, and ji-nuki Hamon: Gunome-chōji midare, with ashi, some areas have tobiyaki, with bright nioi and clear nioiguchi Boshi: Midare-komi, rounded tip Nakago: Raw, kurijiri, with file marks at an angle Shirasaya: Yes Explanation Born in 1927 as the eldest son of the late Teikichi Amada in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture. Entered the Japanese sword forging apprenticeship of Hikozaburo Kurihara in 1940. Approved for sword making in 1954. Received the Masamune Award (Yamashiro style) at the New Sword Exhibition in 1977. Designated as an intangible cultural asset of Niigata Prefecture and Toyoura Town in 1978. Received the Masamune Award (Sōshū style) for the second time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1985. Elected as the chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association in 1990. Received the Masamune Award (Bizen style) for the third time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1996. Designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. Awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Toyoura Town." Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, in 2003. Became an honorary citizen of Niigata Prefecture, Shibata City in July 2003. Passed away on June 26, 2013. Akitsugu Amata's real name is Seichi Amata. He was recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. He is a contemporary swordsmith representing Niigata. Born in 1927 as the eldest son of Teikichi Amata in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture, he moved to Tokyo in 1940 to study under Hikozaburo Kurihara. He then achieved notable results in various sword-making competitions and became a non-examined swordsmith in 1972. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1997, he received numerous awards and honors until his passing in 2013. Akitsugu Amata is also known for selecting sand iron and creating his own steel for the blade. He mastered styles such as Bizen and Sōshū and left behind many famous swords. This work is a fine example of Akitsugu Amata's Bizen style, replicating the majestic tachi of the Kamakura period. The steel is well-packed with itame, and the hamon features gunome with chōji mixed in, with bright nioi and a clear nioiguchi, resulting in an excellent piece. It comes with an original box.

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on May 1】Hello. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. On May 1, 2026 (Friday) at 10 AM, we held the opening ceremony for Shibazakura Takinoue Park. Additionally, the "Tenro Stairway First Crossing Ceremony" was conducted, where the mayor and children from the kindergarten went up to the top together. Visitors can enjoy the shibazakura at eye level, creating a new spot to appreciate. Furthermore, the Shibazakura Festival will be held from May 1 to May 31. With the new "Tenro Stairway" and "TAKINOUE Object," the scenery at Shibazakura Takinoue Park is becoming even more photogenic. We look forward to welcoming everyone. On May 2 (Saturday) and 3 (Sunday), the "Takinoue Marche" will be held at Kaori no Sato Takinoue Michi-no-Eki for two days! There will be many original menu items that can only be enjoyed here! Police motorcycles, grass harvesters, and this year, a high-altitude work vehicle will also be available! You can experience riding it! Fun for both children and adults. Let's enjoy the Golden Week in Takinoue! We are waiting for your visit. Today in Takinoue Town, it will be sunny then rainy. The maximum temperature is expected to be 18 degrees. It is currently very warm, perfect for cherry blossom viewing. Rain is expected to start at night, so there should be no issues during the opening hours. We look forward to welcoming 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

Welcome to the pure Japanese garden "Korakuen Garden". The mosses, hidden beneath the snow, are starting to reveal themselves, glistening in the sunlight and dew. The pure Japanese garden "Korakuen Garden" is located behind Hotel Rimu. It's about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Once you pass through the gate, the sound of leaves rustling and the distant chirping of birds reach your ears. Inside the garden, there are ponds of various sizes, and you can stroll around them at your leisure. You can also enjoy a quiet moment in the gazebo. Korakuen Garden is scheduled to open in mid-May. Admission is free. 📷️ Photo credits to the creatures 🐿️ Instagram @hirok_kato #Korakuen Garden #Pure Japanese Garden

Golden Week is the most beautiful season in Azumino. With the remaining snow on the Northern Alps, sparkling water, and fields full of flowers and greenery, we present the "special scenery" that can only be seen at this time of year. 1. Water Mirror... The best time to see it is early morning. If the wind blows, the surface will be disturbed and you won’t be able to see it! 💦 2. Daio Wasabi Farm... The cold-resistant net is already up. 3. Mount Nagamine... You can drive there, and of course, you can also hike. 4. National Alps Azumino Park... Tulips, rapeseed flowers, and nemophila are in full bloom. 5. Apple orchards in the Misato District... Apple blossoms as far as the eye can see. Why not come to Azumino this Golden Week to capture a "special shot"? The time spent surrounded by water and greenery will surely fill your heart. 😆 We recommend exploring by rental bicycle!

Aichi Museum of Flight Toyohama, Toyohashi, Nishikasugai District, Aichi Prefecture (within Nagoya Airport) Renovation work is scheduled from June 2026 to the end of January 2027. The Aichi Museum of Flight is a specialized aviation museum adjacent to Aichi Prefecture's Nagoya Airport. It features aircraft closely related to Aichi, such as the YS-11, Japan's first domestically produced passenger aircraft after World War II, and the T-4 Blue Impulse from the Self-Defense Forces. It's a spot that fulfills the longing for the skies for both children and adults... In addition to exhibitions, it also offers pilot experiences, experiments on how aircraft work, science shows, and more. They provide stroller rentals and nursing rooms, making it a welcoming place for visitors with small children. Nagoya Airport, officially named "Nagoya Aerodrome," is a civilian airport managed by Aichi Prefecture and shares a runway with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komaki Air Base. On the civilian side, regular flights and business aircraft operated by Fuji Dream Airlines, as well as small aircraft, are in operation, coexisting with Self-Defense Forces aircraft. Camera lenses, wide-angle lenses... highly recommended... Even with a smartphone's wide-angle...

The puddle formed in the riverbed reflected the beautiful upside-down cherry blossoms.

A carpet of flowers in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture. The entire area is beautifully pink.

Spring in Yokohama. The nighttime cherry blossom illumination at Sankeien has become so iconic that it can be called a staple. You can enjoy the reflection of the cherry blossoms on the water's surface, making it a place you want to visit for photography every year. The interplay between cherry blossom blooming forecasts and weather predictions. That’s spring in Yokohama.

Thanks to the trajectory of the petals carried by the wind, it feels as if the invisible wind has become visible. SAKURA - Fubuki. I am confident that one day, people from abroad will understand this word.

The black cat will come to play with the brown and white cat.

The cherry blossoms are still beautiful even after they fall. As a Japanese person, I can proudly say that. I captured the moment when the petals scatter, along with the waxing moon. It became a photo that embodies wabi-sabi.

Event Announcement📣 The 36th Rekifune River Clear Stream Carp Streamers event in Taiki Town will host a "Children's Day Mini Event" 🎏 You can see a variety of "working vehicles" including the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's high-mobility vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks 🚒🚓 Experience the rare opportunity to view carp streamers from a high-altitude work vehicle, and enjoy the popular inflatable play equipment (for a fee) ✨ There will be plenty of delicious food at the food stalls and fun activities 🎵 Bring your family and come have fun 🤗 📍Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Holiday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 📍Location: Rekifune River Taiki Bridge Upstream Riverbed *Event may be canceled in case of bad weather https://www.town.taiki.hokkaido.jp/soshiki/kikakushokoka/3/1/482.html...