The winter forest is muddy Miyanomori, which rings the ski area, can be climbed and descended in about an hour to the shelter at the summit. On a warm day with temperatures around 0°C, the old man who lives opposite Miyanomori says he sometimes climbs it twice a day. With that reliable old man, I climbed Miyanomori too. - Thanks to the previous day’s warmth, the snow had melted, and on the packed snowshoe tracks the snow seemed walkable in rubber boots. ※Snowshoe: a device attached under boots to prevent sinking deeply into snow. Also called kanjiki. Once I bravely started walking in rubber boots, trouble began. Looking sideways and up, my feet slipped off the packed tracks and I plunged into the snow. Apparently, when your feet get caught in snow it’s called “nukareru” (to sink in). Seeing me struggle so much, the old man walked ahead for me. He climbed at a surprisingly quick pace. Out of shape from lack of exercise, I couldn’t catch up, so I climbed at my own pace without rushing. I snapped a photo of his back along the way. The old man would wait a short distance on and tell me things like, this tree died because deer ate its bark, or, it’s rare to see a vine this thick. Traces where deer had raced across slopes too steep for people, and deer prints beside the snowshoe tracks. It was a walk through this quietly snow-covered forest, feeling the presence of living creatures. 📷️ 📷️ 📷️ There are said to be over 30 stone monuments in Miyanomori. Even the old man doesn’t know why they’re there. Perhaps villagers once placed them to protect the forest. Snow perched atop a tree. Someone on social media had called a cornice “like braised pork,” and I remembered that. I saw several large katsura trees. Their branch tips twist and curl. Behind the direction signboard, the disturbed snow marks a deer trail. Something like a nut lay on the snow. From the shelter you can take in a panoramic view of the town. Just then, a ski class was in full swing at the ski area below. 📷️ 📷️ 📷️ Here are scenes from a winter walk in Miyanomori. #Miyanomori #Walk

Akanko in the early morning of February 9th chilled down to −16°C! Despite the heavy clouds, we were still able to catch a clear sunrise☀ The wind was a bit strong, but in spots where the trees sheltered us, frost flowers appeared❄✨️ You can book the early morning walking tour from the URL below. 　　↓ https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19977/... Please note that the tour route and start time may change depending on ice conditions on the lake and the weather.

📣 Morning Sumo Practice Observation at Ohtori Taisha and a Shinto Lecture “Shinto and Sumo” ✨ One day only: Wednesday, February 25! With the Grand Sumo Osaka Tournament in March just around the corner, Arashio-beya will stay at Ohtori Taisha and hold morning practice sessions. You’ll see rikishi training up close, sweaty and covered in clay as they clash seriously. It’s a different tension and power from the tournament itself. We’re also holding a special lecture by a Shinto priest on “Sumo and Shinto.” Learning about the relationship between Shinto and sumo will make watching the sport even more enjoyable ✨ 🔹 Participation gifts: commemorative items from Arashio-beya and a limited-time goshuin (temple seal) from Ohtori Taisha 👀 Highlights 🔹 Watch Arashio-beya’s morning sumo practice from front-row seats 🔹 Shinto priest’s lecture “Sumo and Shinto Rituals” 🔹 Shrine visit and a brief introduction to the shrine by a Shinto priest 📅 Date and Time 🔹 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — 7:20 AM to 11:00 AM 📍 At Ohtori Taisha 💰 Participation Fee 🔹 ¥7,000 (includes a commemorative gift 🎁) 📌 Application deadline: up to 7 days before the event (first come, first served) 🔍 For details and to apply, search “Morning Sumo Practice Observation at Ohtori Taisha and a Shinto Lecture ‘Shinto and Sumo’.” 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/192...

2026 Sapporo Snow Festival 8-chome Hiroba! At the Akan Tourism Association booth, our beloved Marimokkori from Lake Akan is making an appearance!! Our association staff are sharing the charms of Lake Akanko together with it♪ Please come and see us 🟢

Photographed on January 23, 2014. This is the Shishiyama at Kanda Myōjin Shrine.

Azumino’s breathtaking viewpoint – Mount Nagamine summit From here you can enjoy views of the Northern Alps♪ I gazed out over Azumino, dyed entirely in white!!

Early morning walk tour on February 8! It was forecast to be cloudy, but the sky cleared beautifully. Though small, we saw frost flowers and caught MtMeakan and the moon together♪ I couldn’t capture it in photos, but diamond dust also appeared. We tried freezing soap bubbles in subzero temperatures, poured hot water into the air to watch it freeze, and enjoyed full-body winter fun at Lake Akanko with Nordic-style snow angel play♪ You can book the early morning walk tour from the URL below. 　　↓ https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19977/... Please note that the tour route and start time may change depending on lake ice conditions.

February 8th Snowy landscape at Daio Wasabi Farm Japan’s largest wasabi field is also wrapped in snow Perhaps because the snow absorbs sound, a quiet world spreads out

February 8th Snowy Scenery in Azumino The snow that fell steadily since last night has turned Azumino into a sea of white.

February 8th Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line, the gateway to Azumino sightseeing It snowed last night, and Azumino is blanketed in white Visitors should take care with their footing!!

Photographed on January 23, 2014. This is Sukuna Hikona, the enshrined deity of Kanda Myōjin Shrine.

The Sagicho of Imao Winter Fire Festival "Sagicho" A rare start in falling snow? It was bitterly cold, but the festival burned bright. Imao, Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture February 8, 2026

We visited the Otaru Snow Festival on a day when the snowfall felt almost unreal, layers upon layers of snow covering everything in sight. The cold was intense, yet the spirit of the people was even stronger—unshaken, cheerful, and welcoming. Despite the heavy snow, they warmly invited us to become part of the festival, as if we belonged there all along. Though the air was biting, the kindness and smiles around us filled the atmosphere with joy. As evening fell, the sight of countless candles glowing softly along the canal was nothing short of magical—the gentle light reflecting on the snow and water turned Otaru into a living winter dream.

Suisen Road in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture: a heartwarming flower field blooming along the narrow mountain village paths

Photographed on January 23, 2014. I visited Kanda Myōjin Shrine during the winter holidays. Akari Jinba looked sleepy. 🐴

The countryside has vast rice paddies, so when it snows they turn into a wide white plain. It’s three minutes from my home, and straight ahead at the end of the road is Lake Biwa.

This is a snowman made from the snow that fell on February 8th. I sent the photo to my one-year-old and three-year-old grandchildren who live in Tokyo. They were overjoyed. Isn't it adorable?

Photographed on February 6, 2014. These are the red plum blossoms at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🌸 Spring is approaching, but it is snowing today and quite cold.

Photographed on February 7, 2014. The 19th Koedo Kawagoe Amateur Chindon Festival took place.

The 60th Tomakomai Skating Festival is now open! The festival is packed with attractions, including the ever-popular ice mega-slide, snow sculptures, food stalls, and a lively stage program. Of course, the famous shibare-yaki is also available At the tourism association booth, we have a Tomachop lottery and drinks ready, so please stop by ⛸

Photo taken on February 2, 2014. This is a hanachōzu (flower basin) from Hara Florist.

Jewelry Ice at Otsu Coast in Toyokorocho, Hokkaido Ice that formed on the Tokachi River drifts out to sea and the waves polish it into transparent, jewel-like pieces of ice. Visitors aiming for standout photos select well-shaped pieces, carry them, pour hot water or rinse them to remove sticking snow and sand, and arrange the ice by stacking or standing it to create artworks for shooting, but they are beautiful just as they are in nature.

Photographed on February 1, 2014. This is a black latte from LEC COFFEE and a chocolate Basque cheesecake.

[2026 Japan Heritage Marche — Isehara City Will Also Be Present] The Japan Heritage Marche, which shares the stories of Japan’s culture and traditions from each region, will be held this year in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Isehara City will also have a booth at the event to showcase its unique local attractions. At the venue, visitors can experience Japan’s heritage sites through tastings, samplings, and hands-on workshops from across the country. Please come and join us. Dates: Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Sunday, February 15, 2026 Times: February 14: 10:00–17:00 February 15: 10:00–16:00 Location: Yurakucho Station Plaza and Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan (1st-floor event space and others)

🏖️ Third Shimoda City Beach General Election Results Announced! 🏖️ Thank you for all your votes ✨ Here are the results 👇 🥇 1st place Shirahama Ohama Beach 🥈 2nd place Shirahama Central Beach 🥉 Tied for 3rd Kujuppama Beach · Tatadohama Beach · Nabetahama Beach · Iritahama Beach We have already shipped prizes to the five winners 🎁 They should be arriving at your door soon…? 📮✨ And the Fourth Shimoda City Beach General Election is 🗓️ Held from February 16 to June 30! Whether you voted before or haven’t joined yet, please cast your vote for your favorite beach 🌊💙 We look forward to your participation 😊✨

Photographed on February 1, 2014. This is a black latte from LEC COFFEE. It features very beautiful latte art.☕️✨

Good morning ☀ #This morning in Tsukigase Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival February 14, 2026 to March 29, 2026

Photographed on February 1, 2014. This is a chocolate Basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE.

Fushimi Inari-taisha 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The biggest attraction at Fushimi Inari-taisha is the Senbon Torii. The sight of rows upon rows of vermilion torii gates is simply breathtaking! The items held in the mouths of the foxes at Fushimi Inari-taisha are mainly four kinds: rice ears, a scroll, a jewel (hoshu), and a key. These are said to be carried by the foxes (white foxes), messengers of Inari Ōkami, and each has a different meaning. Types and meanings of the items the foxes hold The fox statues at Fushimi Inari-taisha typically hold one of the following four items. Rice ears: Symbolizing a bountiful harvest and indicating that Inari Ōkami is a deity of agriculture. Scroll: Representing wisdom and knowledge, and believed to record the divine virtues of Inari Ōkami. Jewel (hoshu): A symbol of Inari Ōkami’s spiritual virtue or soul. Key: Seen as the key to Inari Ōkami’s treasure house, or as a symbol of the desire to possess the jewel (spiritual virtue).