May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

On May 14, 2025, the New Tea Presentation Ceremony took place at Shizuoka Prefectural Office. From Iwata City, Takumi Miyamoto, the 2025 Iwata City Tourism Ambassador, presented new tea to Governor Yasutomo Suzuki. Great taste! Great color! Great aroma! This is Iwata tea, grown on the Iwata Plain and richly blessed by the sun. Enjoy its refreshing, clean aroma, clear color, and deep flavor.

The old JNR Shinonoi Line track bed in fresh greenery Lush zelkova trees along the abandoned line and a brick tunnel dating from the Meiji era This is an excellent route for hiking

Come to Teshikaga this summer…! Must-visit spots when you’re in Teshikaga 📍Wakoto Peninsula ____________________________ Teshikaga, home to Japan’s largest caldera. We hope more people can experience the grand nature shaped by volcanoes, forests, and lakes… 🐾✨ *The photo shows Wakoto Peninsula from last weekend. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/wakoto/...

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.6]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we again introduce cherry blossom spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The sixth installment is―― “A Tour of Wild Cherry Trees along the Etaibetsu River”! The Etaibetsu River flows through Hokuryu Town. Along this river, we present simple, beautiful wild cherry trees that bloom in their natural state! There are no signboards or information boards here, and no paved promenades or benches. It isn’t a so‑called “maintained scenic spot,” but precisely for that reason you can feel the unvarnished beauty of nature. The wild cherries, blooming as if leaning into the land, quietly announce the arrival of spring right next to everyday life. Especially striking are lone cherry trees standing against the backdrop of farmland and the trees that bloom beside rivers where snowmelt rushes dramatically—scenes beyond words. Even on the paths locals pass casually, such beautiful spring scenes unfold. These nameless cherry trees weave a simple, gentle landscape— We look forward to meeting again next year the cherry trees that will bloom, once more, nestled in this town’s nature 😊

Photographed 5/19/25. CAFE ANDON's Squid was Ume Plum Specification. ☂️

One of the sunsets seen from the sea candle in Enoshima. The air was clear and there were few clouds, so I was able to take a very beautiful sunset. The golden ocean you see here is truly Beautiful.. No matter when you come, it is your favorite Spot where you can see the beautiful scenery.

"White clover that I casually found" When I was looking at the white clover blooming in the school garden, I suddenly wanted to take a picture, so I took this photo.

"A bamboo bush that expresses light and dark" I was struck by the wonderful fusion of bamboo and wood in Japan and captured it in the photo.

Implementation of 5/8 Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour. The weather was perfect and we were greeted by the azaleas. Snow remained in the shade, and you can enjoy an extraordinary feeling at about 1700m Elevation. The weather in the mountains is unstable, and Mt. Ishizuchi, which was almost hidden by clouds during past tours, is clear this time. The next time will be in the summer when the number of flowers is the highest in the season. We are accepting reservations for participants on August 25 (Water), 21 (Thursday) and 22 (Friday). For details, please visit the Saijo City Tourism and Products Association H.P. Q: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association 　　(Ehime Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201)　TEL：0897-56-2605

Ginza

🍶 “Rikyukura” Sake Tasting Event🌸 Come and sample a variety of sake labels from Rikyukura! Whether you love sake or are trying it for the first time, everyone can enjoy this event🌸 Ask our staff about foods that pair well with sake and about the relationship between sake and Sakai’s traditional culture🍶 📅 Sunday, May 25, 11:00–16:00 📍 Sakai Densho-kan 🚃 A 3-minute walk from Hankai Line Myokokuji-mae Station For details, search “Sakai Densho-kan Rikyukura”🔍

🌸 Special Exhibition and Sale of Sakai May Carp Streamers 🎏🌸 ✨The Beauty of Hand-Painted Carp Streamers 🎏✨ A special exhibition and sale featuring hand-painted carp streamers by Takeshi Takada, the sixth-generation artisan of Sakai May Carp Streamers "Takagi"! Take this chance to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of hand-painted carp streamers with a history spanning more than a century. 🎵 📅 Friday, May 16 – Thursday, May 22, 10:00–18:00 📍 Sakai Densho-kan 🚃 A 3-minute walk from Hankai Line "Myokokuji-mae" For details, search for "Sakai Densho-kan carp streamers" 🔍

The immortal grand champion Taiho's glory and legacy are on display here. Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga, where Taiho spent his boyhood years. Here you will find the Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum, which tells the story of Taiho's dominant career from the 1960s onward. This time, we introduce the Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum of the great Showa-era yokozuna Taiho. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/sightseeing/facility/taiho_sumou_k/...

Photographed 5/18/25. LEC COFFEE's Cold Yellowtail Cream and Kawagoe Matcha Basque Cheesecake. Both are recommended. 😊

I happened to visit Chichibu A Carp streamer Festival was being held near Muko Hot spring. The colorful Carp streamers were swimming gracefully and it was very beautiful.

Japan vip from

Taishaku Gorge, one of Japan’s leading gorges, spans Tojo Town in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town in Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, it is a principal scenic spot of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and is designated a nationally recognized place of scenic beauty. Here are two highlights of the Taishaku Gorge area: Onbashi and Shinryu Lake. Onbashi is a colossal natural bridge representing Japan, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 40 meters high. It is a limestone bridge spanning the Taishaku Gorge valley and, because of its grandeur, is also known as Kono Bridge. Shinryu Lake is an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era within a limestone gorge, with a 24-kilometer shoreline and an 8-kilometer length. In the coming season the area will be lush with fresh green leaves, and in autumn you can admire fiery foliage from sightseeing boats on the lake. A karst plateau formed by deep erosion of limestone extends across the area, preserving a landscape that remains in harmony with nature. Within this quasi-national park’s expansive natural setting, you can rent bicycles and enjoy activities such as kayaking and open-boat rides. Aim to visit now while the fresh green season is at its most beautiful!

At Kujukudani Forest Park in Takagi Kimura, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture, "Kurin grass" is in Best time to visit! "Kurinso" is a perennial herb of the primrose family. The name comes from the fact that the flowers bloom in a circle in many tiers, resembling the "nine rings" at the top of the five-story pagoda. Pink and crimson flowers bloom in terraces along streams and in wetlands in the mountains, surrounded by deep greenery. Enjoy the cool breeze and Nature full of negative ions while listening to the chirping of birds and the croaking of frogs. 【Kurinkusa Festival】 Held in period Saturday, May 10, 2025 ~ Sunday, May 25, 2025 *Held in in case of rain * Thereare some areas that cannot be accessed due to disaster recovery. * Visiting the site in the park is free even after the period ends. Time 8：30～17：00 Fee Free of charge (we are asking for a donation for the maintenance of the garden) Venue Kujukudani Forest Park (7600-1 Ogawa, Takagi Kimura, Shimoina-gun, Nagano) parking lot Yes (Yamatoji-dong Oku Car Parking Lot) Contents of the festival Local Specialty Sales Handmade stalls and Local Gourmet food access By Car: About 25 minutes from the Chuo Expressway "Iida IC" About 10 minutes by car from Kujukuya Forest Park, the venue of the Kurinkusa Festival, there is also a poppy garden where bright red poppies are in full bloom. located on a hill, you can see the dainty Flowers swaying in the wind against the backdrop of the Central Alps. 【Poppy Festival】 Held in period Saturday, May 17, 2025 ~ Sunday, June 1, 2025 Time 10：00～16：00 Venue Nagano, Shimoina-gun, Takagi Kimura, Ikumahara (Near Jomon Hill Fruit Park) Fee Cooperation fee 200 yen (you can experience picking poppies) access By Car: About 20 minutes from the Chuo Expressway "Iida IC" In this season, when both are in Best time to visit, we recommend a flower tour where you can enjoy kuringrass and poppies as a set!

A water‑welcoming ritual took place on the Saigawa River flowing through Azumino. At the confluence of the Saigawa, Takasegawa, and Hotakagawa rivers, a Shinto ceremony was held to pray for a bountiful harvest for the year, the prevention of water disasters, and the development of tourism. We give thanks for the blessings of water that flow down from the Northern Alps.

[Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition and “KawaCos” Held Together on June 7 and 8!] A perfect chance to enjoy subculture in Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, amid fresh green scenery! On June 7 and 2025 and June 8, 2025, the Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition “Kawayu＋i Exhibition” and the cosplay event “KawaCos” will take place simultaneously. The illustration exhibition features a record 30 creators from Hokkaido and beyond, showcasing a variety of illustrations full of love for Kawayu and Teshikaga. Admission is free, and the venue will distribute a special “Bath Tour Passport” that offers half-price day-trip baths for adults at four member ryokan of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, while the public bath “Yukichi” in Kawayu will be available at Teshikaga resident rates. Meanwhile, at KawaCos, cosplayers can enjoy shooting around the hot spring town and in the great outdoors of Akan–Mashu National Park, including Mt. Iou, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. This year, for the first time, there will also be an itasha (decorated car) display and a small parade through the hot spring town. Please stop by and join us!! ・Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition “Kawayu＋i Exhibition” Third Edition ・Date and Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025 and Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM on June 7 only) ・Venue: Onyado Kinkiyu, 2nd floor (former restaurant), 1-5-10 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District ・Organizer: Kawayui Exhibition Executive Committee ・Supported by: Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association ・Cooperation: East Hokkaido Illustration Project For the latest on the Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition, please see the official Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association X account. Hokkaido Kawayu Onsen (Illustration exhibition on June 7 and 8) (@kawayuonseniine) / X For the latest on KawaCos, please see the official KawaCos X account. Official KawaCos Management (@kawayu_cos) / X

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.5]🌸 Hello from the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce more sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fifth installment is―― “A Shrine Tour of Hokuryu Town”! Today we present three shrines in Hokuryu Town and the cherry blossoms we found there⛩️🌸 Each shrine offers its own character, a soothing quiet, and striking harmony with the cherry blossoms. 🌸[Hekisu Shrine] Hekisu Shrine greets visitors with a vivid red torii gate and a classic shrine atmosphere. Four to six cherry trees bloom on the grounds, creating a beautiful contrast against the sky. With spring breezes blowing, the view of the blossoms framed by the torii felt so still it seemed time had stopped. 🌸[Shinryu Shrine] Shinryu Shrine is notable for its brownish torii gate. The cherry tree on the right side of the precincts is especially lovely, its soft petals blending perfectly with the calm shrine buildings. A guardian lion-dog sitting atop a ball makes a memorable, slightly unusual sight—one of this shrine’s little charms🤔 🌸[Mibau Shrine] Mibau Shrine stands quietly a little way from the town center. Set amid open rice fields, its solitary presence evokes a gentle sense of nostalgia. As the cherry blossoms sway softly, listening to the wind here brings a natural calm to the heart🌾 Each shrine’s history, atmosphere, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms— Hokuryu Town is dotted with these quiet, moving moments. Enjoying the blossoms while feeling the town’s history and people’s sentiments— come and try this serene spring shrine tour for yourself 😊✨ We warmly await your visit 😊✨

Photographed 5/18/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Kawagoe Matcha Basque Cheesecake. It was so delicious that I would like to visit again. 😊

The last day of the Asakusa Sanja Festival. I took a picture of the Mikoshi of the first shrine after leaving the shrine. I was almost crushed by the heat and pressure of the amazing people. The excitement of shouts and the sound of Festival chorus is a testament to Japan people.

Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, in a historic tea plantation. The starry sky was also wonderful.

Today was the Ennichi of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Precincts and Kawagoe Senarai Benten Itsukushima Shrine. There was a dedication.

Higo Green Melon, a specialty of Kikuchi City, is now in season! Higo Green Melon grows larger than ordinary melons, with thicker, very tender flesh. It also contains plenty of water and juice, with a sugar content of 14 degrees or higher. Higo Green Melon is in season from late April through early July. It is mainly produced in Shichijo Town, Kikuchi City. Shichijo Town is blessed with clear spring water selected among Kumamoto’s Top 100 Famous Waters, such as Maekawa and Shimizu springs. Rich in minerals and oxygen, this water helps grow delicious melons. Producers tend the melons every day without rest, which ensures careful attention and results in sweet melons with beautifully netted rinds. Higo Green Melons are mainly sold at Roadside Station Shichijo Melon Dome in Shichijo Town. All melons sold at the Melon Dome undergo strict sugar tests with an optical sensor. Only melons that meet the sugar level of 14 degrees or higher are displayed for sale. Introducing Kikuchi’s proud specialty, the Higo Green Melon! To share this deliciousness and charm with many people, we have planned a special hands-on program! Title “Play Sommelier and Judge Sweetness♪ Sugar Level Challenge & Ultimate Melon Parfait Making in Kikuchi” In this program, you will make a parfait lavishly using Higo Green Melon. The melons used for the parfait are specially managed for the event date. Therefore, you will taste perfectly ripened, sweet melons on the day. We will use a generous half melon per parfait, making it satisfying to eat and great for photos. We will also top the melon with rich milk soft serve from Toride Farm. Garnishes will include strawberries grown in Kikuchi. Why not try making an original melon parfait you can’t find anywhere else? In addition to making the parfait, each participant will receive one whole melon to take home so you can enjoy it with your family. The take-home melon will be measured with the sugar sensor on site. You will be asked to guess the sugar level of the melon you selected. Those who guess the exact sugar level will receive a prize. We look forward to your participation♪ Please make reservations by scanning the photo QR code. Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 14–15, 2025 (20 participants per day) Time: 10:00–12:30 Place: Roadside Station Shichijo Melon Dome Participation fee: 7,700 yen per person Contact Kikuchi Tourism Association Address: 1273-1 Kumafu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture 861-1331 TEL: 0968-25-0513

Toyooka Iris Garden is still in full bloom. Over 200 varieties of iris set against the scenic Ina Valley. Please enjoy your visit. For more details about the Iris Garden, see below: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/tourist-spot/hana/3280/...