Despite the powerful buzzing sound it makes, this round-bodied bee has large eyes and is known as the bumblebee. Somehow charming, this bee is in its mating season during spring.

On a quiet street in the eastern part of Kagawa Prefecture, there is a udon shop called "Marutatsu." This place is not like the typical busy udon restaurants; it feels more like a refined experience of local culture. Upon entering, the space is bright and spacious, allowing one to relax and savor the moment. I ordered a bowl of the signature udon, and the first thing I noticed was the presence of the noodles themselves. Made from Kagawa Prefecture's wheat "Sanuki no Yume," the noodles are both chewy and elastic, sliding smoothly and offering a delightful texture that showcases the vitality of hand-made noodles. Next comes the soul of the dish: the broth. Made from small dried fish caught around Ibukijima in the Seto Inland Sea, the broth carries a profound umami flavor with a clear finish. Adding local specialties from Higashikagawa, such as Sanuki and wasanbon sugar, enhances the overall taste with a layer of warmth and smoothness. The sweetness is not overpowering; it gently highlights the umami of the fish, making it hard to resist drinking it down in one go. This bowl of noodles can almost be said to be a microcosm of Higashikagawa. From local wheat and catches from Ibukijima to traditional wasanbon sugar, every element is closely connected to the land and culture. A simple bowl of udon, yet it embodies respect for the ingredients and a deep affection for the region. When I left, I felt that I had not just eaten a bowl of noodles, but had also taken a flavorful journey through the landscape of Kagawa.

GW is packed with events! Here are five recommended GW events✨ 1. 'NAGANO Zenkoji Yosakoi' 【Date】May 4th, R8 (Monday, holiday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 【Venue】Zenkoji Omotesando (from Suehirocho Intersection to Shindencho Intersection), Nagano Station Zenkoji Entrance Plaza 2. 'Zenkoji Hanakairo' 【Date】May 3rd (Sunday, holiday) - May 5th (Tuesday, holiday) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Pedestrian Paradise) 【Venue】Zenkoji Omotesando, Central Square, TOiGO Square, etc. 3. 'Nagano Collection 2026' 【Date】May 5th, R8 (Tuesday, holiday) 【Details】 ・Live Hair Performance 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM at Zenkoji Omotesando (in front of TOiGO) ・Nagako Stage 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM at Central Square 4. 'Nagano Shishimai Festival' 【Date】May 3rd, R8 (Sunday, holiday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (held in light rain) 【Venue】Nagano Station Zenkoji Entrance Plaza, TOiGO Square, Central Square, Zenkoji Omotesando 【Stamp Rally】 Collect stamps in the performance areas at each venue, and the first 500 participants will receive an original hand towel designed by students from Oka Design Academy. 5. 'Zenkoji Omotesando Arts and Music Festival' 【Date】May 4th, R8 (Monday, holiday) - May 6th (Wednesday, holiday) 【Time】May 4th and 6th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM May 5th 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM *Cancelled in case of rain 【Venue】Central Square #GW #event #nagano #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Nemophila Edition" The nemophila fields in National Alps Azumino Park, located in Horikane and Hotaka District, are at their peak blooming 😄 With 32,000 nemophila plants ♫ They have appeared in the Den'en Bunka Zōn at Hotaka-guchi 😆 A beautiful blue carpet is spreading out!❗️

Azumino: A Floral Trio 'Canola Flower Edition' The canola flower fields in the Horigane and Hotaka areas of National Alps Azumino Park are in full bloom! 😄 Five million canola flowers are spreading across the fields! ♪ A yellow carpet stretches as far as the eye can see! 😆

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Tulip Edition" The tulip fields in National Alps Azumino Park, Horigane and Hotaka District are in full bloom! 😄 With 130 varieties and 260,000 tulips 🌷 You can enjoy a colorful display of tulips throughout the vast park! ♪ Today and tomorrow, as well as during Golden Week, the Azumino Park Craft Marche Spring is also being held Food trucks and craft shops will be there too Bring the whole family along! 😆

The scenery of Azumino, with its beautiful fresh greenery.

Water has started to fill the rice fields in Azumino that have been plowed. The season of Azumino's breathtaking scenery, "Suikyo," is just around the corner.😊

Notice of Exhibition from Wakeido Tochio Art Museum, Nagaoka City Special Project "Swords Born in the Turbulent Period of Japanese Swords" – A Comparison of Swords from the Late Muromachi Period and the End of the Edo Period – Cooperation: Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai Nagaoka Shibu When considering the history of Japanese swords, it is closely related to Japan's long history, and it is impossible to discuss Japanese swords without understanding this historical background. It is well known that there were significant conflicts during transitional periods throughout the more than 1,000 years since the mid-Heian period when Japanese swords were established. Therefore, upon examining the subsequent Japanese swords, one can notice that they have undergone various changes, including their appearance and form. In other words, it can be said that Japanese swords, which were tools of war, had to respond sensitively to the times and methods of combat. In this exhibition, we will showcase Japanese swords from the beginning of the Sengoku period during the late Muromachi period, which is said to have lasted the longest in history, alongside those from the late Edo period around the Boshin War, which continues to influence and be remembered in modern Japanese history. We hope you will reflect on the changes and commonalities in their shapes, colors, and hamon patterns, as well as the spirit of the Japanese artisans of that time. We warmly invite everyone to come and visit. <Address> 1-13 Uenoharamachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0237 <Phone Number> 0258-53-6300 <Dates> April 22nd – June 21st <Opening Hours> 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Tickets available until 4:30 PM) <Closed in April> 27th (Monday), 28th (Tuesday) <Closed in May> 7th (Thursday), 8th (Friday), 11th (Monday), 12th (Tuesday), 18th (Monday), 19th (Tuesday), 25th (Monday), 26th (Tuesday) <Closed in June> 1st (Monday), 2nd (Tuesday), 8th (Monday), 9th (Tuesday), 15th (Monday), 16th (Tuesday) https://www.lib.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/tochibi...

The fresh green sprouts have begun to emerge in Azumino. The clear water flows from wasabi fields and trout farms that utilize spring water.

On April 23rd, Azumino enjoyed a sunny morning. The dogwood trees began to bloom, adding beauty to the landscape of Azumino. This is the northern part of Azumino, along the streets of Aokemi Industrial Park.

Taken on March 25, 2014. This is the love water at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌸

【Fluffy Hydrangea Wreath】 Wednesday, April 15th The first dry flower workshop of the year was held🪷 Nishiokoppe Village is also being wrapped in the warmth of spring. Surrounded by many flowers, some participants began to feel a sense of excitement as gardening and fieldwork are finally starting. This time, we made wreaths using dried hydrangeas as the base, decorating them with other flowers and fruits. The process of creating parts and attaching them is common in such floral arrangements. Regular attendees quickly formed hydrangea rings, decorated them skillfully, and chatted lively while working. While I struggled to create the hydrangea base, a reliable and experienced neighbor helped me with the parts, making the workshop enjoyable, including those interactions. Thanks to the combinations of hydrangeas and the materials chosen for decoration, each piece was filled with individual touches! I am immensely grateful to Yuka Sato, the instructor, for providing such opportunities. #Lesson #Dried Flowers #Arrangement #Wreath Making

Behind Kōgen Shrine, located along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route's Nakahechi course, you can see a large camphor tree with a trunk circumference of over 6 meters, as well as a cluster of ebine orchids. Take your time to enjoy the Kumano Kodo while reflecting on the ancient people.

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 every year. 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.

Take a break from daily life and immerse yourself in tranquility. Before you lies a moment filled with Lake Kussharo and nature. In the morning, enjoy a leisurely view of the lake. In the afternoon, take a deep breath in nature. At night, be enveloped in silence. A stay without a packed schedule is the most fulfilling for the soul. How about spending some "time to find balance" here? You can make a reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

They were blooming in a nearby park. It's the best time to see them. They're so vibrant!

Taken on April 22, 26. This is le bilboquet near Akasaka Station. This week's lunch features pork belly and green peas with butter rice.

【Teppen Kagura Festival👹】 Today (April 26th), the "Teppen Kagura Festival" was held at the Gokase Winery-style hall✨ Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with people and excitement that blew away the rain and cold🔥 This festival features not only Kagura from Gokasecho but also Kagura from the neighboring Yamatocho in Kumamoto Prefecture💡 It seems there were some first-time Kagura fans in attendance, and I was delighted to see that events in Gokasecho are becoming more widely known🥰 Gokasecho has plenty of events lined up for the Golden Week🙌 Be sure to check out the tourism association's website and social media!😊

This is the illumination of the Neodani Usuzumi Zakura located in Gifu Prefecture. I felt the strength of this ancient tree, said to be over 1,500 years old.

Title: Fading Light Location: Niwaki Dam Lake, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture The particles of light and petals overlap, bringing the end of the season to the surface of the water. This is a photograph capturing the quiet afterglow of spring.

The weeping cherry blossoms in Kamihocchimachi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. They are located on a mound, with a Jizo statue at the base, and in the background, you can see the remaining snow on Joshu Hotaka Mountain. This is one of my favorite photography spots. The weeping cherry blossom, known as Hatsuchi no Jizo Zakura, is in full bloom. On a clear day, the Jizo statue served as a model for my photos. The parking area is small, making it a landscape in the satoyama that I wish to cherish.

I took photos at Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, which is famous for its wisteria flowers and illuminations. Ashikaga Flower Park offers various flowers throughout the seasons, including roses, water lilies, and tulips, all of which bloom beautifully on a grand scale. Although it had rained until the morning, the weather cleared up, allowing me to see droplets on the early-blooming tulips, truly capturing the essence of spring.

I took this photo at the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the Kan-etsu Expressway. I happened to stop by and was able to see the beautiful Joshu Hotakayama and Komagatake with their remaining snow. I included the cherry blossoms that were blooming at the service area in the shot. It turned out to be a photo that captures the feeling of "the arrival of spring."

Taken on April 22, 2014. This is the wisteria trellis in front of Sanno Saryo at Hie Shrine.

A Yoshi burning event heralding spring took place in Oramachi, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. The Yoshi burning at Tatara Swamp is impressive as it can be viewed up close. We felt the heat of the flames while capturing photos, covered in soot. Tatara Swamp is also famous as a stopover for swans, but this year, perhaps due to the warm weather, there were hardly any swans present. However, egrets, ducks, and weasels were seen scurrying around.

In the garden at dusk, small cherry blossoms bloom softly against the backdrop of the three-storied pagoda, adding a gentle touch to the scenery of Chinzan-so.

This is Dianthus Aura. It is a new variety of perennial garden carnation that blooms abundantly in spring and autumn. The vibrant pink flowers appear as if their edges are delicately outlined with fine white threads, creating a gradient effect towards the center.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Hie Shrine. The azaleas were very beautiful.🌺

Title: Spring Unfolding on the Water The cherry blossom tree-lined path at Niwaki Dam Lake in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, takes us from the present tranquility back to spring ten years ago. In this windless moment, I sensed spring unfolding upon the water's surface.