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/...

Spring is in full swing! In Taiki Town, the flower season has truly begun. Shibazakura (moss phlox) are at their best on Mount Mewa! Around Sakashita Senkyo and at Taiki Shrine, we found a variety of flowers. The last two photos show new leaves sprouting beneath the withered kashiwa oak leaves still clinging to the branches! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Photographed on May 15, 25. After work, I took a walk around Shinjuku. It was my first time in Tokyo in a yellowtail. Soy latte and blueberry rare cheesecake. 🫐

Photographed on May 15, 25. Prayer at Takanawa Shrine in Shinagawa.

The hydrangeas blooming in the tea plantation in the sky were wonderful. Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture 2024/7 gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

This is one of the dark groove waterfalls near Yoro Valley in Chiba Prefecture, which I visited last fall. It was before winter and there wasn't much greenery, so I'd like to shoot again in the summer next time. The Hot spring on the premises was the best.

This is one photo taken at Ashikaga Flower Park. In the evening, when the sun was about to set a little, I took a picture of the white wisteria flower in front of the pond as the theme, and I felt that the balance between the red and white colors of the Japanese maple tree on the left was beautiful. There were so many people that it was very difficult to shoot with as few people as possible.

The Torii (shrine gate) gate with light shining through the blue autumn leaves was very mysterious

An aerial photo of Tomakomai ✨🛫 Can you sense the generally flat terrain with little elevation change? To the northwest of the city stands Mount Tarumae, an active volcano with an elevation of 1,041 meters. 1. Lake Utonai (does it look a bit like the shape of Hokkaido...?) 2. The city viewed from above Tomakomai West Port 3. The oil storage facility in eastern Tomakomai 4. Mount Tarumae lava dome (in the distance you can see Lake Shikotsu and Mount Fuppushi in Chitose)

Participate in the contest for the first time.

A sunset view reflected in the countryside taken by my 12-year-old son.

[Forest Park Is Open] Forest Park in Nishiokoppe Village opened with the start of Golden Week. The event was packed with activities. Food trucks and vendors came from various places, making the Golden Week period lively. Thank you to everyone who visited! Here’s a closer look at the playground attractions. Batting: 20 pitches per turn 200 yen Strikeout game: 12 pitches per turn 200 yen (The first home run of the year was apparently hit by a village resident!) Battery cars: Airplane and sheep shapes 1 ride 100 yen Dinosaur shape 1 ride 200 yen Go-karts: Single-seat 1 lap 300 yen Two-seat 1 lap 400 yen (This go-kart course has many curves and tricky spots for a thrilling ride) Bouldering: Shoe rental 1 session 100 yen *No use with outdoor shoes or socks* *Use with indoor shoes you bring is OK* (You’ll use your arms and legs—your whole body!) Other free play equipment includes a bounce dome, a Tarzan rope, spring riders, swings, and more. Relaxing on the lawn is also recommended. Please wait a little longer for the tent site to open. For meals, please visit Ku-raku inside the park! Takeout is available, so feel free to ask. We look forward to many visitors again this year! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Forest Park #Open #Playground attractions #Come and play

Photographed on May 15, 25. For work, I went to Shinagawa. The City Bakery is a CB plate in Atré Shinagawa.

[Special Collaboration Soft-Serve Ice Cream for the Detective Conan Movie “The One-Eyed Shrapnel” Now on Sale!] A limited-time special soft-serve ice cream collaborating with the now-screening Detective Conan movie “The One-Eyed Shrapnel” is being sold at eateries throughout Minamimaki Village 🍦🐄 With the new Minamimaki Village Dining Map produced by the Minamimaki Village Chamber of Commerce in hand, please enjoy the local cuisine 🥗🍲🍜🍴 ■ Shops Offering the Special Soft-Serve Ice Cream 1 Takizawa Farm Co., Ltd. 2 Restaurant Saikochiten Co., Ltd. 3 Restaurant Straw Hat 4 Minamimaki Village Rural Culture and Information Exchange Center Co., Ltd. (Vegitable With) 5 Hanafubuki 6 Restaurant 141 8 Kominka Meals and Sweets Furusato 9 Canadian Rocky 16 White Rabbit Those are nine shops in total (the numbers correspond to the shop numbers on the dining map) *Depending on the shop, sales begin on Saturday, May 17 or Sunday, May 18. ▼ View the Minamimaki Village Dining Map here https://www.kanko-nobeyama.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mmmfoodmap.pdf...

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Is it a heron couple? That's what I thought. I felt that the pure white wings of the heron on the deep green were very clear and beautiful, so I stood here and took a picture. I don't usually take pictures of birds, but when I see a heron, I just snap the shutter.

May 5, 2025 (Reiwa 7) 4:48 Photograph of Oarai Isosaki Shrine "Kamiiso no Torii (shrine gate)" On that day, the Sunrise rose through the thin clouds, and the gentle light illuminated the sky, the sea, and the shrine. Not only the Sunrise and the Torii (shrine gate) gate, but also the bubbling waves are beautiful.

It is a cherry blossom that I saw in Nemuro, which is said to be the latest blooming declaration in Japan. It was still a little chilly in Hokkaido, but there were people here and there who came to see it, and I was able to enjoy the second flowering.

Near the Lake Nukabira, the Tauszvets River Bridge, which can only be seen when the Water is low. The magnificent scenery of the Nature spread over the bridges where the Japanese National Railways once ran was and fascinating.