Photographed on April 1, 2014. This is Homare-zakura along the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on April 4, 2026. This is LEC COFFEE’s Sakura × Espresso Latte and a matcha Basque cheesecake topped with sakura.

Mannen-zan Ankokuji Temple is located in Oodaracho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. A large weeping cherry tree on the temple grounds was lit up, and its reflection in the water spread across the stone path at the gate, creating a very magical scene. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷🌸

Spring that seems within reach but never quite arrives. When you stretch out your hand it feels close enough to touch, yet it seems it would spill away the moment you did. I quietly preserved this fleeting moment.

Spring arrives quietly in Toyama… not with noise, but with fresh breath. In the blue hour, when day surrenders to night, the cherry blossom avenue awakens in soft golden light. Lanterns glow gently beneath blooming canopies, and people walk slowly, as if afraid to disturb the moment. Behind it all, the snow-capped Tateyama Range stands in silent majesty — timeless, unmoving, watching spring unfold below. The mountains hold the last light of the evening, their white peaks glowing softly against the deepening sky. In the foreground, the lake refuses stillness. Wind brushes across its surface, rippling reflections of blossoms and lights into fleeting fragments. The air turns colder after sunset, and yet the warmth of spring lingers in every step, every breath, every quiet glance. This photograph captures the delicate balance of spring — warmth and chill, movement and stillness, fleeting beauty and eternal mountains. A moment where nature whispers, and time gently pauses.

Guide to JR Hokkaido’s Ōzora and Tokachi trains 😊 JR Hokkaido’s limited express trains Ōzora and Tokachi connect Sapporo with eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro and Kushiro). The journey from sapporo station to obihiro station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes 🚊 From shinchitosekuukou station, take the Rapid Airport to minami chitose station and transfer to the limited express Ōzora or Tokachi. The travel time from shinchitosekuukou station to obihiro station is about 2 hours 30 minutes 🎵 Also, the trip from Kushiro Station to obihiro station on the Ōzora limited express takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. All seats on the limited express Ōzora and Tokachi are reserved, so please make a reservation in advance 🤗 https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ekinet_jrticket/page.html#map...

The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosaka-dera Temple It was a day of on-and-off rain, but I enjoyed the cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry blossoms looked beautiful lit up at night. At Tsubosaka-dera Temple, there was a temporary observation platform—apparently only for this season—that let visitors enjoy views of the Cherry Blossom Buddha. I’m grateful for it. This year, the parking lot required a full reservation in advance.

From mid-April to May in early spring As the snow melts, Akan’s forests put on a show of flowers that delight the eye and richly color the woods. Why not take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the hot spring district and enjoy a picnic of wildflowers?

Farewell came on a warm day. On my graduation day, I hugged my beloved teacher tightly and tears unexpectedly overflowed. Feelings of gratitude, a touch of sadness, and the excitement for what lies ahead. My teacher gently took in all the things I had held close in my small arms. When spring arrives, I feel like I’ll encounter this kind of warmth again. #Photo Contest #Spring #Spring in Japan #A Child’s Growth #Thank You

Today's Akanko Thanks to the rise in temperature, steam fog formed and created a magical scene. Some ice remains, but it is thin, so please do not go out onto the lake ice.

AriHana Kyoto invites you to enjoy a fun origami experience together with your children! Origami is a traditional Japanese art that is loved around the world. It’s simple, relaxing, and easy for anyone to try, making it a perfect cultural activity during your visit to Japan. Our sessions are run by a former childcare professional, so families with young children can feel comfortable and welcome. Of course, adults are also more than welcome to join on their own. We hope this experience will become one of your favorite memories from your trip to Japan. No reservation is required to join AriHana Kyoto, but if you prefer, you can also book in advance through our website. If you’re looking to enjoy Japanese culture with your family, we would love to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto! Experience Japanese culture through play in a Kyoto townhouse For all age - fun，relaxing，and family-friendly 🌐No reservations required. Walk-ins welcome!! 🔗Book via our website 🏃‍♀️‍➡️Open from 10:00AM to 6:00PM. (Last admission is at 5:00PM.) 🎌Closed on Tuesdays #AriHanaKyoto #OrigamiExperience #KyotoWithKids #HandsonJapan #JapanFamilyTrip

This week's cherry blossom viewing guide! Cherry blossom bloom report from April 5th to April 6th🌸 1. Chausuyama Dinosaur Park Entrance At the entrance of Chausuyama Dinosaur Park, about 80 cherry trees line the embankment. During full bloom, you can enjoy a tunnel of cherry blossoms. The varieties include Somei Yoshino and Higan Zakura. Cherry blossoms also bloom within the Chausuyama Mallett Golf Course. 【Bloom Status】Full bloom *Photo taken on April 6th 【Location】2358 Shinonoi Okada, Nagano City 【Parking】Available 2. Kourinji Temple There is a weeping cherry tree approximately 300 years old, and you can also enjoy Somei Yoshino. Many people are photographing the splendid cherry blossoms and the temple. 【Bloom Status】Full bloom *Photo taken on April 6th 【Location】2329 Komatsubara, Shinonoi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available 3. Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle, the residence of the Sanada clan. About 100 cherry trees bloom beautifully in the castle's Edo-period space! 【Cherry Blossom Light Up】April 4th (Saturday) to April 13th (Monday) 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 【Bloom Status】Full bloom *Photo taken on April 6th 【Location】44 Matsushiro, Matsushiro-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available City-operated Donomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 regular cars, 2 disabled spots Matsushiro Castle North Parking (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 regular cars, 2 disabled spots 4. Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This is a famous battlefield known for the battles between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. A cherry blossom viewing spot with about 100 Somei Yoshino trees! 【Cherry Blossom Light Up】After blooming to April 11th (Saturday) 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 【Bloom Status】Full bloom *Photo taken on April 6th 【Location】1384-1 Oshimada, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (Expect congestion in the park's parking lot. Please refrain from unauthorized parking at nearby facilities.) 5. Shiroyama Park This is one of Nagano City's top cherry blossom spots located next to Zenkoji, with about 470 Somei Yoshino trees in full bloom. The cherry blossom tunnel during full bloom is very beautiful! 【Bloom Status】Full bloom *Photo taken on April 5th 【Location】Hakoshimizu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available First parking lot (155 spaces), second parking lot (123 spaces), third parking lot (155 spaces) 100 yen for the first 20 minutes + 100 yen added every 20 minutes *Those using the park or zoo with a Nagano City Childcare Passport can park for free for up to 2 hours 6. Saijo Mountain One of the "100 Sunset Points of Shinshu." It is also known as a cherry blossom spot. During the 4th Kawanakajima battle, the Uesugi army camped at the top of this mountain on the southern bank of the Chikuma River, watching Shingen's movements. 【Bloom Status】Full bloom *Photo taken on April 6th 【Location】Iwano, Matsushiro-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available *Due to the narrow road from the Saijo Mountain Observatory entrance to the observatory, large vehicles cannot pass. *The "Nagano Tourism Net" web page is currently sharing cherry blossom bloom information for Nagano City! 🌸Please make use of this for your cherry blossom viewing!🌸 #Cherry blossom #Cherry blossom viewing #Bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Azumino Cherry Blossom Update The cherry trees at Ryugamonbuchi Park in Akeina are about 80% in bloom Still, with a forecast for summer-like temperatures today, they might reach full bloom… It’s a pleasant park. Visit with a picnic spirit!!

April 6th Azumino cleared to a brilliant blue today Forecasts say the temperature will rise to 25°C by midday It looks like an unseasonal summer day… MtJonen in the Northern Alps is watching over us!!

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each recipient. This Teshikaga photo contest is held with the cooperation of businesses based in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Kussharo Prince Hotel‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Kussharo Prince Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/k_princehotel/...

Twin Arch 138 with the morning glow and a row of cherry trees The hazy morning sun painted the scene in a soft orange light. Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture April 4, 2026

April 6th Spring has arrived in Azumino, and plants are bursting into new growth all at once!! Wasabi flowers, cherry blossoms, and even the ridges… After a long winter, Azumino is at its most radiant right now♪

April 5th Azumino Cherry Blossom Update The Hyakuraku Cherry tree in front of the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum is in full bloom This is an Edo-higan cherry, and its pale pink petals are beautiful!!

April 5th Azumino’s tourism hub, in front of Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line The willow tree that starred in the so‑called "symbol tour" is budding, and the daffodils are in full bloom When you visit, stop by briefly and then pop into the Tourist Information Center!!

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Anyouzan Seigenji Temple, located along the foothill road in Azumino, has begun to bloom Two large weeping cherry trees stand beyond the moss-covered approach This Soto Zen temple is also notable in summer for the lotus flowers beside the temple grounds!!

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Hodakasan Soutokuji Temple near hotaka station in Azumino is in full bloom!! You can also enjoy a zazen meditation experience here♪ For details, check the official site of the Azumino Tourism Association

Photographed on April 4, 2026. This is LEC COFFEE’s matcha Basque cheesecake with cherry blossom topping. It smells of cherry blossoms. 😊🍵🌸

Would you like to visit Komu during Golden Week? At the Forest Museum Komu, we are holding the Golden Week Festival again this year🎉 The festival runs for three days from Sunday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 5. Activities change each day! - May 3 (Sun) Naruko (wooden clapper) workshop 🪚 These are the naruko used by dancers in the Yosakoi Festival. You will use a coping saw and hammer to make them, so please participate with a guardian. ① 11:00 AM / ② 1:30 PM Duration: about 30 minutes Capacity: 4 groups per session Fee: 500 yen; register on the day Location: Komu woodwork room - May 4 (Mon) 11:00 AM – Kihako Live♪ Location: Kim no Shima Kihako, who visited Komu in December 2024, returns! They plan to perform children’s songs and original pieces. You’re sure to be enchanted by Kihako’s gentle tones. - May 5 (Tue) Setoushi-kun coloring experience 🖍️ We offer several coloring sheets featuring Nishiokoppe Village’s character Setoushi-kun. The first 100 children (ages 3 to elementary school) will receive an original Setoushi-kun crayon as a gift! ① 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / ② 1:00 PM–2:00 PM A coloring area will be set up somewhere inside the Komu building. Entry and exit are free, so feel free to join anytime. - We look forward to your visit. - Forest Museum Komu Opening hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Closed: every Tuesday *During Golden Week the museum is open through Wednesday, May 6. It will be closed on Thursday, May 7. Admission fees: High school and older: 500 yen 4th grade to middle school: 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade: 100 yen Under 3: free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Komu #GW Festival #Komu

On April 3, on the second day of a business trip to Toyama, I stopped by Matsukawa, where the cherry trees were in full bloom, just before returning home to Chiba. The setting sun sank into the valley lined with cherry trees covering Matsukawa, blending with the blossoms to create a mysterious gradient. Moved by the fleeting changes in the light, I kept pressing the shutter.

Information about the 4-day valid “New Nissho Peninsula Story Ticket” 😊 The “New Nissho Peninsula Story Ticket,” valid for four days and connecting Tomakomai and Obihiro, can be purchased and used on your smartphone 🎵 You can choose either Tomakomai or Obihiro as your starting point 😍 Within the bus free area (Obihiro–Hiroo–Shizunai), Tokachi Bus and JR Hokkaido Bus offer unlimited boarding and alighting (one-way travel only; backtracking is not allowed). The reserved limited-express Tomamu-go is also available 🚌 Plus, the ticket includes great benefits redeemable at more than ten facilities along the route, including Roadside Station Nakasatsunai‼ Leave your busy routine behind, relax with local flavors and scenery, and take a free-spirited trip to discover your own favorite spots. Use this for planning your trip 🤗 Model itineraries are also posted, so please check the Tokachi Bus website for details. https://www.tokachibus.jp/kankou/#kippu...

Having studied in Japan for two years, I visited Chidorigafuchi for the first time and met the night cherry blossoms for the first time as well. Under the lights, the sakura no longer seemed merely soft in daylight; they quietly glowed in the night like stars overhead. Layers of blossoms reflected on the water as small boats drifted through, and time itself seemed to slow. In that moment, I only wanted to keep this tranquil, flowing spring in my memory.

In Japan there is a ceremony called omiyamairi in which people pray at a Shinto shrine for a baby’s healthy growth. Since it takes place about one month after birth, it is not limited to spring, but my grandchild born last November had their omiyamairi in March after several postponements when the weather warmed. Held by my wife, the child’s paternal grandmother, the baby received a blessing from the Shinto priest. On the same day we also celebrated the older sister’s Shichi-Go-San, for which she was dressed up. It is rare for grandparents from both the father’s and mother’s sides to gather, so we had a catered meal at our son’s home. The children’s bento was especially lavish. In rural Japan, these old-fashioned customs still remain.

I gave up on the famous cherry blossom spot a ten-minute drive away because its parking lot was full, so I took photos along an ordinary roadside on the way back home. In Japan, spring means cherry trees line the streets everywhere, not just at famous sites.

Photographed on April 4, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s Cherry Blossom × Espresso Latte. It features espresso, milk, and cherry blossom sauce, topped with cherry blossom chocolate. The latte art shaped like a cherry tree is truly lovely. 😊☕️🌸

At a park near Mount Fuji filled with blooming flowers, I took photos with my wife and our beloved dog. It was extremely crowded, and I contracted COVID-19 after returning home, but since it became a pleasant spring memory, I’m okay with it 🤣