Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is a kai-awase shell-matching game from the "Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour" held at nakamachi sightseeing information center.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is a kai-awase (shell-matching game) held as part of the “Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour” at Nakacho Tourist Information Center.

[Isehara Flower Report] 2026.03.03 We report on the flowering conditions around Isehara City. Okame cherry blossoms along Ōyama New Road are at their best. Soft pink blooms line the roadside, hinting at the arrival of spring. In Maruyama Castle Ruins Park, a few almond flowers were seen in bloom, but many buds remain. We look forward to further flowering.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. I went to see the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center exhibition “Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour.” Today is the Doll Festival. 🎎

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is Hanatetsu's hanachōzu (flower hand-washing basin).

This photo was taken on a day during spring break when I had nothing planned. The cherry blossoms were just starting to open, and the spring weather put me in the mood for a walk, so I went out by myself. Since it was a rare chance, I decided to go somewhere I don’t usually visit and walked from Yamato Station to Seya Station. Along the way, I was drawn to a small shrine whose name I didn’t know and stopped by. The shrine grounds were almost empty, and I was struck by how old the place felt. Amid it all, an especially weathered torii gate and a single cherry tree looked so beautiful that I felt a sudden wave of nostalgia and took this photo.

This is a spring scene viewed from Motohakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. The combination of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, fresh green foliage, and a torii (shrine gate) looks like a painting.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. After the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had an Earl Grey bouquet and a tea latte, and an Earl Grey Basque cheesecake.

This is a shot capturing the vibrant duet of mimosa and cherry blossoms blooming within the grounds of Kuramae Shrine in Taitoku, Tokyo Metropolis. A lush stand of mimosa fills the foreground while the cherry blossoms in the background are softly blurred, giving the whole frame depth and a rich density of color. I emphasize the joyous contrast of yellow and pink that signals spring’s arrival, conveying the shrine’s pure atmosphere alongside the energetic radiance of life in spring.

My first visit to Japan turned magical when I found a lone Sakura at the entrance to Ueno Park, blooming early on the first day of March. Locals, tourists, people of all ages, and even birds were enjoying the symbol of Spring. To immortalize their joy, I simply had to photograph the birds enjoying the blossoms. I feel proud of this photo, and very lucky to have witnessed such a magical Spring moment in the heart of Tokyo.

Today I attended the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In keeping with the Hinamatsuri on March 3, I received amazake and a doll and had a ritual to ward off bad luck.🎎 Because Hinamatsuri is also called the Peach Festival, I took a photo of a pink aidaimeshi omikuji (love-shaped sea bream fortune).

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower-filled water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Nana Field Road 2026 in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture runs through Sunday, March 8, 2026. Feel spring in a field of four million rapeseed flowers. Stay at a partner hotel in Kamogawa City to receive a free flower-picking ticket (10 stems). It takes about two hours from Tokyo Station by train, express bus, or car. It is an 18-minute walk from Awa-Kamogawa Station.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 14, 2014. These are the hana-temizu flower water displays at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 13, 2014. This is HK Tea’s lemon honey and a chocolate-banana egg waffle. Chocolate and banana go so well together. 😊🍫🍌

Photographed on February 13, 2026. This is HK Tea’s lemon honey. 🍋🍯 I love it. 😊

Photographed on February 13, 2026. This is Udon Tatsu-mi’s COEDO bukkake. This udon is something I crave regularly. 😊

Photographed on January 19, 2014. These are the hanachōzu (flower-filled hand-washing basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 19, 2014. These are the floral hand-washing basin displays at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 19, 2014. These are the flower-filled handwashing basins at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 23, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we hold a naorai at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. It's a Sakura Bloom Latte and a sakura matcha doughnut.🌸🍵

Today I attended the Tencho Festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The plum trees were beginning to bloom.

Today I went to KAWAGOE COFFEE SELECTION. I was there for LEC COFFEE. At the top is a cafe latte, bottom left shows a canelé and an espresso financier, and bottom right shows a top-down view. It was very busy. 😊

Photographed on February 17, 2014. This is the lunch plate from Brasserie CATHERI near Kawagoeshi Station. They will be participating in today’s KAWAGOE COFFEE SELECTION.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s chocolate Basque cheesecake and a black latte. I’m looking forward to the Kawagoe Coffee Selection. 😊

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is a black latte from LECCOFFEE. The latte art is lovely. 😊🩷 LECCOFFEE will be exhibiting at KAWAGOE COFFEE SELECTION tomorrow, February 22.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is a chocolate Basque cheesecake with strawberries from LEC COFFEE.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is a quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. It includes a shrimp, spinach, and onion quiche, homemade ham with salad, a white vegetable potage, and homemade bread.

Isehara Market Celebrates Its 100th Edition! On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Isehara Market finally reaches its 100th event. This popular gathering, always bustling with food trucks, flea markets, and stage performances, draws a lively crowd each time. To mark this milestone, original novelty goods will be given away! Make the most of the three-day weekend and come with family and friends. Date and Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park Access: From Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 3 (bound for Nanasawa), about 10 minutes