A field of wild poppies stretches out before you. Combined with the spring sunlight, the canvas painted in just two colors, orange and green, expresses a simple yet pleasant world view.

It's been a while since I posted about my cat. She often comes over to play.

On April 25th, while strolling through the bicycle plaza, the pink moss phlox was beautiful.

The beautiful sunrise reflected on the water surface at Ukijima. The composition utilizes the reflections of the sky on the water surface, captured through drone photography. Hinogawa Dam, Shiga Prefecture, Ukijima April 2026

Gokoi-chi Challenge ~Let's Cycle Around Mikata Five Lakes~ https://wakasa-mihama.jp/gokoichichallenge2026/... Complete a cycling tour of the Mikata Five Lakes Cycling Course (commonly known as Gokoi-chi) and take pictures at all five designated checkpoints. Those who do will be recognized for completing the tour and will receive a limited edition badge. Join the Gokoi-chi challenge! Period: May 1, 2026 (Friday) to March 31, 2027 (Wednesday) How to Participate: 1. You can start from any location. 2. Cycle around the Gokoi-chi Cycling Course. There is no fixed route, so feel free to explore Mikata Five Lakes. You can go clockwise or counterclockwise. 3. Take photos at the following five checkpoints. There is no specific order, so feel free to visit them. Make sure the locations are clear in the photos. Checkpoint 1 Hinata Bridge (Lake Hiruga) Take photos that include Hinata Bridge or views of Lake Hiruga from the bridge. The monument for "Heshiko-no-Sato" is also a recognizable feature. Checkpoint 2 Suigetsu Lake Observation Deck (Lake Suigetsu) Capture photos that include the observation deck or views of Lake Suigetsu from above (or below) the deck. Checkpoint 3 Thatched Boathouse (Lake Mikata) Please take photos that include the thatched boathouse. Checkpoint 4 Horikiri (Lake Suga) Capture photos of the river connecting Lake Mikata and Lake Suga. Checkpoint 5 Heshiko-chan Statue (Lake Kugushi) Please take photos that include the Heshiko-chan statue. 4. After completing the tour, present your photos at the certification locations. Certification Location 1: Mihama Station Reception Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM It serves as the gateway for those heading to Mikata Five Lakes after getting off at the JR Obama Line. Rental bicycles are also available. *Note: The reception will be closed from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holidays. Certification Location 2: Mikatagoko Roadside Station Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM This is a certification location where you can stop by during the Gokoi-chi route. If you start from Mikata Station, you will pass by this location after visiting all checkpoints if you go clockwise. If you arrive by car, you can use the parking lot of the nearby Mikata Seinen no Ie. Rentals for cross bikes and road bikes are also available. *Note: The reception will not be available if the facility is closed for maintenance or during the New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 3). 5. Certification Badge Limited edition badge for completing one round of Gokoi-chi (first 400 participants) Limited edition badge for completing two rounds of Gokoi-chi (first 100 participants) *Please bring the badge received for completing one round when you complete two rounds. 6. Important Notes - Please adhere to traffic rules and cycle safely. - Helmet use is recommended. - Please cycle at a pace that is comfortable for you based on the weather and your physical condition. - The organizers are not responsible for any accidents or troubles. - Ensure that the photos clearly show the checkpoints. 7. Organizer and Contact Information (Organizer) Mikata Goko Regional Tourism Council (Contact) Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-32-0222 Wakasa Mikata Goko Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-45-0113

Hara Florist's flower handwashing. Once again, I've caught a cold.🤧 The temperature fluctuations are severe, so please take care of yourselves.

Nemophila

Enticed by the spring weather, we headed to the Wisteria Festival at Kameido Tenjin Shrine. The fully bloomed wisteria flowers cascaded like a shower in the shrine grounds. The vibrant purple flowers contrasted beautifully with the red-painted handrails, creating a truly stunning scene that left us in awe. My daughter was also thrilled by the beautiful scenery! Surrounded by the fragrance of wisteria swaying in the breeze, the children walked through the shrine grounds with smiles. It was the perfect moment to experience the beauty of Japan's four seasons in spring.

In Sakurashinmachi, Tokyo, I discovered a unique view of spring at the Sakura Jingu Shrine. This rare shrine inherits the tradition of Ancient Shinto, and during spring, the grounds are filled with pink ribbons. These ribbons are tied with wishes for "matchmaking." The contrast between the traditional shrine atmosphere and the pop, vibrant pink is very cool, reflecting the beauty of modern Japan. Under the fully bloomed Kawazu cherry blossoms, the sound of children's laughter creates a peaceful moment.

This is a precious landscape captured in Osaka City. The site of the Expo '70 Osaka is hidden by a sea of clouds, creating a stunning contrast with the sunset and the cloud sea.

(April 26, 2026) Naruko Dam Rainbow Waterfall Light-Up The first arch dam built entirely by Japanese hands Naruko Dam, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture This event will feature the illuminated overflow of the dam lake, which is at full capacity, lighting up the natural overflow from the top of the dam with LEDs for several days. In the past, cars concentrated on the mountain roads to see this event, causing traffic jams. Complaints from local residents led to its cancellation. Last year, the mountain road to the dam was closed (residents can pass) and the event was resumed through a park-and-ride tour, with shuttle buses guiding visitors from a nearby community center to the dam. Hearing this information, I registered for the life's leftovers and reserved a shuttle bus for the third trip on April 26th back in February. Now, on the day of the event, with the weather forecast predicting rain for the next day, I embarked on a whirlwind tour taking five hours one way from Tokyo and was able to enjoy (and shoot) the view safely. So colorful~♪

I traveled to Ishikawa Prefecture✨✨✨ I was happy to see that the Noto Peninsula had been revitalized compared to last year✌️✌️✌️ The cherry blossoms at Kanazawa Castle were beautiful😆😆😆

Cherish important moments with a special dish. Our course meals, made with seasonal ingredients, are perfect for anniversaries and rewards. Enjoy a fulfilling time amidst the tranquility of Kussharo. 【Opening Start】 From Saturday, April 25th, during the green season. 【Course Meal Availability】 Available from April to June by reservation only. *The menu will change starting in July. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

I went for a stroll in Onomichi The cherry blossoms and the view of the Onomichi Channel made me feel the arrival of spring!

On a full moon night. The apricot tree in the garden has started to bloom, where I have been measuring my height against since childhood. Even with my body that has grown quite tall, I can no longer match the height that exceeds the second-floor roof.

On a full moon night. The apricot tree in the garden, which we have measured our heights against since childhood, is starting to bloom.

As expected, it's Sakura.

【Announcement】Taramaru Square 2026 will be held♪ From May 2nd (Saturday) to May 6th (Wednesday) at the Michi-no-Eki-mae Event Plaza "Taramaru Square 2026" will take place!! ☆About the Vendors ○Little Kingdom Tapioca drinks, churros, shaved ice, and alcohol ○Uosansakaba ○RmiRmi Ground meat curry, Hideko's Sanpei soup, beef tongue skewers, grilled chicken ○Shiokaze Restaurant by Raiden Resort & Spa Cocktail mojitos, champagne Hot chocolate, coffee (hot and iced) Coffee will be hand-dripped ○8"achi (debut) Various grilled chicken, tonjiru (pork soup), cotton candy, fried mochi frank, QQ balls ○Shunsai Salt ramen, okonomiyaki, pizza, various alcohol Handmade crafts ○Xingfu Korean fried chicken, long potatoes, fried takoyaki ○Honma Seika Taramaru-yaki, yakisoba, french fries, various wagashi (Japanese sweets) ○Kisui (debut) Various takoyaki (green onion, cheese, plum salt kelp, mentaiko) *The items for sale may change We look forward to seeing everyone♪

The "moss phlox" at Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park is gradually expanding in pink each day, with the upper part of the hill at 60-70% bloom. Currently, while no flowers are in full bloom at Shibazakura Park, it is a rare opportunity to see moss phlox, tulips, and Sakura all at once!

Event information during the Golden Week! May 4th (Monday) and 5th (Tuesday), 2026 Kakoku Handmade Market https://www.instagram.com/kaikokutezukuriichi/... Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Open until May 5th, 2026 Dining Place "Takenoko" will be open during this period! http://takenokomura.com// Location: Ichijo Bamboo Shoot Village Open until May 6th, 2026 Strawberry Picking https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/... Location: Baby Berry Farm From May 3rd (Sunday) to July 12th (Sunday), 2026 "Izuto and Craftsmen." https://www.instagram.com/irozaki_oceanpark/... Location: Irozaki Ocean Park From May 3rd (Sunday) to 6th (Wednesday), 2026 Beach Glass & Shell Searching https://www.eco-surf.com/reservation/... Location: Kyukamura Minami-Izu From May 3rd (Sunday) to July 12th (Sunday), 2026 Summer is just around the corner! Tide Pool Observation Experience [For Beginners] https://www.eco-surf.com/reservation/... Location: Yumigahama's Neighbor Aigahama

Taken on April 12, 26. This is the strawberry jam Basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE, along with a Sakura x Espresso Latte. Perfect for the cherry blossom season! 🌸

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on April 29】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Blooming was officially declared yesterday, April 28, so we will begin charging an entrance fee starting today. Today and tomorrow, the 30th, will be a pre-opening, and the opening ceremony for Shibazakura Takinoue Park will be held on May 1, 2025, at 10 AM. The first 50 visitors will receive a commemorative gift. Additionally, the Shibazakura Festival will be held from May 1 to May 31. Today, the sky is clear, and the weather at Shibazakura Takinoue Park is delightful. We look forward to your visit. ------------------------ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Entrance 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

🌲Akaezomatsu Forest Trail🌲 I recently took a stroll through Akaezomatsu Forest‼︎ This is one of the recommended spots to visit in the upcoming season✨ ___________________________ The trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (@kawayu_vc) is an easily accessible, authentic forest where you can observe the rare Akaezomatsu and Todomatsu trees found in Japan. You can also request a 20 to 30-minute guided tour from the facility staff✨ Especially during this season (from early June to around July), it's recommended to see the clusters of Gozen Tachibana as they transform from white flowers to red berries. At the second-floor café (@cafesoftwood), you can enjoy meals and tea, making the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center☕️🌿 _________________________________ Kawayu - Akaezomatsu Forest Located in Akan-Mashu National Park, Kawayu Onsen spreads at the foot of Mt. Io. This pure forest consists of Akaezomatsu trees that are about 200 years old. The acidic soil, covered in volcanic ash, creates a harsh environment for plants. The representative conifer of Hokkaido, Akaezomatsu, thrives here. Trees around 20 meters tall stretch endlessly, and the forest floor is covered with clusters of Gozen Tachibana. The patterns, scents, and sounds created by the limited plants enhance the charm of this mystical forest as you experience it. (Source: Akaezomatsu Forest Guide Map)

From the top of the mountain The winding path has become passable as the snow melts. Driving up the unpaved mountain road reveals an open view waiting ahead. In winter, I climbed with my grandfather, and together with a cameraman who was there for filming, we gaze at the distant mountains while feeling the wind. My grandfather was being interviewed, holding a can of coffee in one hand. In between, he was also puffing on a cigarette. Sitting on a stump, he said that staring blankly at the scenery in front of him clears his mind. As I listened to his stories, I thought it would be a nice place to bring a sandwich and read a book. My grandfather, who worked in the mountains, always shows me various landscapes. Driving on the mountain road alone feels a bit scary, especially with the atmosphere that suggests I might encounter a bear, but I felt grateful to discover this wonderful place and the arrival of spring. #At the top of the mountain#On a sunny afternoon #Grandfather#Favorite view

🌸🌸 Spring Kushiro Sightseeing Bus Tour [Sakura Edition] 🌸🌸 We are recruiting participants for a bus tour that explores the double-flowered cherry blossom "Kushiro Yaezakura" which originated in Kushiro.☺ Selected by Mr. Inazawa Rokuro, who was engaged in landscaping in Kushiro, this double-flowering variety was registered in 1981. The petals are layered beautifully, making it a very charming cherry blossom. We will visit notable spots in the city and enjoy a tour-exclusive bento at Yanagimachi Park, the venue for the "Kushiro Sakura Matsuri." Please come and enjoy the Kushiro Yaezakura in Kushiro, the final stop of the cherry blossom front in eastern Hokkaido!✨ Date: Saturday, May 16th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Capacity: 30 people Participation fee: 6,500 yen (tax included) *Please pay in cash on the day. ・Children the same fee Meeting place: KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) 　　　Gather at 8:50 AM For detailed information and applications, please check the official Kushiro and Akanko tourism website. *Please confirm via the link in the profile section. https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/overview/20909/...

As the air warms up, rainy days become more frequent. Even while walking with a camera, you may find yourself surprised by sudden downpours. When you find a place to shelter from the rain and glance down, you might see a small creature that has also escaped the rain.

A place that many people living in Yokohama may not know. It is the Shanghai Yokohama Friendship Garden. The buildings in Chinese style reflected on the water are beautiful, changing dramatically with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to cumulonimbus clouds in summer. It is one of the recommended spots in Yokohama.

Spring – the height that has been surpassed. Just a few days ago, there was no shepherd's purse. With the colors of the purple dead-nettle added, the earth is beginning to don its spring attire.

A season lacking in the colors of the earth. With the blooming of the plum blossoms, winter seems to change its name to "early spring." The blue sky and plum blossoms. And the vivid contrast of the long-tailed tit has painted a "sign" in the cold air.