\The highlight event of the Black Ship Festival is back this year!\
📍【Reenactment "Signing of the Japan-U.S. Shimoda Treaty"】

Set in the late Edo period in Shimoda, this performance comically reenacts the actual signing of the "Japan-U.S. Shimoda Treaty"!
The actors, embodying historical figures, deliver a captivating performance full of realism✨

There are moments that will make you chuckle…!😆
Even those not well-versed in history or children will enjoy it.
May 16 (Saturday) 12:40 PM – Ryōsen-ji
May 17 (Sunday) 12:30 PM – Shimoda Civic Cultural Hall Parking Lot

Experience the unique history of the Black Ship Festival at this event; be sure to check it out at the venue!👀⚓

The 87th Black Ship Festival "General Information Pamphlet" is now complete! 📖✨

This pamphlet is packed with information to enjoy the Black Ship Festival, including event schedules, venue guides, and parade route maps. 🙌

"Where is everything happening? 🤔"
"What time does the parade start? 👀"

This pamphlet will be a great help during those moments! ✨
If you want to fully enjoy this year's Black Ship Festival, be sure to check it out in advance!

It will also be distributed in print in the future. 📚
If you come across it, please take a look! ⚓✨

Information about ongoing events!

From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to Sunday, July 12, 2026
"Izutsu and Creators."
https://www.instagram.com/irozaki_oceanpark/
Location: Irozaki Ocean Park

Until May 10, 2026
Strawberry Picking
https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/
Location: Baby Berryf Farm

From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to July 12, 2026
Summer is approaching! Tide Pool Observation Experience [Beginner Level]
https://www.eco-surf.com/reservation/
Location: Oogahama next to Yuigahama.

Aichi Museum of Flight

Toyohama, Toyohashi, Nishikasugai District, Aichi Prefecture (within Nagoya Airport)


Renovation work is scheduled from June 2026 to the end of January 2027.

The Aichi Museum of Flight is a specialized aviation museum adjacent to Aichi Prefecture's Nagoya Airport. It features aircraft closely related to Aichi, such as the YS-11, Japan's first domestically produced passenger aircraft after World War II, and the T-4 Blue Impulse from the Self-Defense Forces.

It's a spot that fulfills the longing for the skies for both children and adults...

In addition to exhibitions, it also offers pilot experiences, experiments on how aircraft work,
science shows, and more.
They provide stroller rentals and nursing rooms, making it a welcoming place for visitors with small children.

Nagoya Airport, officially named "Nagoya Aerodrome," is a civilian airport managed by Aichi Prefecture and shares a runway with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komaki Air Base.

On the civilian side, regular flights and business aircraft operated by Fuji Dream Airlines, as well as small aircraft, are in operation, coexisting with Self-Defense Forces aircraft.

Camera lenses, wide-angle lenses... highly recommended...
Even with a smartphone's wide-angle...

This is the illumination of the Neodani Usuzumi Zakura located in Gifu Prefecture.
I felt the strength of this ancient tree, said to be over 1,500 years old.

The staff of the tourism association has visited again!
"Seretis," located right in front of Iritahama Beach, is a popular spot where you can enjoy meals while feeling the ocean in a spacious location!✨

This time, we chose the Wagyu burger (1600 yen) and Shimoda Blue Pudding (600 yen).🍔🍮
The burger features the rare cut "Togarashi" from Shimanto Beer Beef, meticulously prepared over two days.
It's tender and juicy, bursting with the flavor of the meat.🤤
The "Shimoda Blue" used in the pudding comes from eggs of free-range chickens, known for their bluish shells.🥚
With a subtle sweetness, it offers a rich, adult flavor.😌🤎

Indulge in this luxurious gourmet experience while gazing at the sea—make sure to check it out!☝️✨

Rengebatake and local line

Rengebatake was a common sight during my childhood, but now it has become a rare landscape.
I captured a nostalgic atmosphere with the local line (Hokusei Line).

Ageki Town, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture
April 24, 2026

The atmosphere is greatly enhanced by the female boatman.

*Aerial shots are taken with the permission of the Kunita family.
*Approved for unmanned aircraft operation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
*Flight plan notification and flight log preparation.

Shibazakura of the Kunita family in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture.
April 2026.

The Iwata City Tourism Association is hosting a collaborative project with Daytona Co., Ltd. called "Iwata Morning Activity Cafe" at the Communication Plaza. Enjoy morning coffee, use it as a meeting point for touring, and feel free to drop by anytime.

After the Morning Activity Cafe, we will hold a Morning Activity Market, where families can participate in workshops to experience crafting and purchase popular sweets. Food trucks will also be present, so enjoy a fun holiday at the Communication Plaza throughout the day. Iwata City's mascot, Shippei, will also come to visit!

Date: Saturday, May 9th, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, rain or shine.
(In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled. Notifications will be posted on this site in case of cancellation.)



*A portion of the sales from the food trucks and workshops will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross as "Relief Fund for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster of Reiwa 6."
*The Welcome Bikers Roadstation (WBR) project promotes a network of regions and facilities that welcome motorcyclists, calling for traffic safety and improved manners for visitors.
*The content of the stalls may change.

Cherry blossom viewing spots in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture 🌸
A breathtaking view that spreads 360 degrees.
・
・
✅ Shishigahana Park
◎ 62-2 Ohira, Iwata City
◎ Parking: Available

📷 Taken on April 2, 2026 🌸

Date and Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026
*Cancelled in case of rain (no backup date)

Venue: Mitsuke-juku Street

The "Enshu Daimyo Procession" will faithfully recreate the scene where the feudal lords participating in the Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) stay at the 28th station of the Tokaido, Mitsuke-juku, welcomed by the inn staff, the main inn, and townspeople on Mitsuke Main Street.
The "Mai-guruma (Dance Cart) Pulling and Fire Dance" will reenact the story of the Mitsuke Gion Festival.
In addition, various performances will be showcased throughout Mitsuke Main Street as a stage.

Iwata City tourism ambassadors will also participate in the procession wearing kimonos!

*Traffic regulations will be in effect from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM on the day.

Photographed today, Wednesday, April 8: the wisteria at san remo park.
There are white and purple wisteria trellises; the white is in full bloom while the purple has just begun to open. The azaleas are also coloring up, so please take a look if you are nearby.
san remo park Address / Wadahaminamicho (next to Atami Port)

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

From a hill above the residential area, you can see many Kawazu cherry blossoms in full bloom, and from the high ground the Tokaido Shinkansen and Suruga Bay also offered beautiful views.

Ongoing events through Golden Week‼

① Ongoing until supplies last
Ihama margaret picking
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=91181&cat=18736&type=event

② Ongoing until around May 5
Strawberry picking
https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/

③ March 28–April 5
Yuigahama cherry blossom tour
http://www.the-surface.com/event.html#sakura

④ April 1–May 5
Bamboo shoot picking and the takeno‑ko eatery opens
http://takenokomura.com/

⑤ April 3
Irozaki Gongen Festival
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=3725&cat=18736&type=event

⑥ April 18 and 19
Va'a Japan 4th Japan Cup in Minami‑Izu
https://www.vaajapan.com/2026-japan-nationals

⑦ April 29
Lead-horse riding experience day
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=7746&cat=18736&type=event

Spring in Minami‑Izu features both Somei-yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms, and it also offers abundant sea- and mountain-based nature experiences, so it’s surprisingly hot (exciting) just for that‼

Events across Minami-Izu Town!
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-eventlist&eventlist=18736

I visited Omusubi Kokoro, which opened this February (^○^)

While rice-ball shops that let you pick from a display case are nice, this place shapes your onigiri after you order 🍙✨

Located near Shimoda’s popular spot Perry Road, it’s a perfect stop to grab a snack after a stroll when you start to feel peckish 🎵

For me, ume (pickled plum) is a must for onigiri, but I couldn’t decide on the second filling….
In the end I narrowed it down to simmered alfonsino, dried fish from Ogiso Shoten, or okaka from Yamada Katsuo Bushi Shop. After much deliberation I chose the simmered alfonsino.

The hot, hefty onigiri are great for taking to your favorite spot this season or for enjoying while walking around!
Of course, you can also eat them inside the shop if you prefer (^^)

Please stop by when you’re exploring the town.

Rinyoji Temple dyed in spring crimson

This temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is about 200 years old.
A limited-time light-up of the tree is popular.
※Those who visit are asked to consider donating to the Cherry Blossom Fund 🙏

Rinyoji Temple, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture

Aerial footage over Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road

Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture
March 2026

※Model has given permission
※Confirmed with the management office
※Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
※Notification of the flight plan and creation of a flight log

A radiant morning on the Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road.
It was delicious 😋

Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture
Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO
March 3, 2026

Mirai Towers and Kawazu cherry blossoms

I photographed Mirai Towers (formerly the TV Tower) together with Kawazu cherry blossoms in Central Park in Sakae, Nagoya.
March 2026

Ihama Margaret Flower Picking Garden
https://x.gd/kljYT
Period: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – until supplies last
Hours: 9:00–15:00
Fee: Free (up to 10 stems per person)
Scissors available for loan
Venue: Ihama Coast

Ichijo Takenoko Village
https://x.gd/1iKvL
- Bamboo Shoot Picking Experience
April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday)
Admission: Adults ¥650, Children ¥300
May end early when supplies run out
Harvested bamboo shoots must be purchased
Rubber boot rental ¥50, work gloves ¥50 available for purchase
Bamboo shoot picking or the dining area may close or have reduced hours depending on shoot growth
- Bamboo Shoot Cafeteria (limited season)
April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday)
Open daily (about 10:30–14:30)
Takeout of bamboo shoot dishes available
Kusamochi making (reservation required) is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Bamboo craft workshops (reservation required)
Bamboo shoot picking may be suspended once shoots run out

Photographed on March 4
The early winter cherry trees near Ginza Street, at the Sakimicho curve, are now in full bloom and catching the eyes of passersby.
Of the three trees, the one at the top is called the "Sakamachi Temple Cherry". It is said to be one of the trees planted in the grounds of Iou-ji Temple, which once stood here in the early Meiji period.
The tree is over a hundred years old. It survived the Honcho great fire of 1944 and the Atami great fire of 1950, making it a precious cherry tree.
Sakamachi Temple Cherry — Address: Sakimicho, Atami City (opposite Hotel Kan-ichi)

About 20 early winter cherry trees in Shinsui Park are also continuing to bloom, so please visit if you are in the neighborhood.
Shinsui Park — Address: Nagisacho, Atami City (Shinsui Park Daiichi Kouku to Shinsui Park Second Section)

The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Finale

Town’s 70th Anniversary Commemoration “Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars”
Period: Friday, February 27, 2026; Saturday, February 28, 2026; Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Release section: a 400 m stretch from Harumachi Bridge to around Kinomiya Bridge
※The event may be canceled due to rain or other conditions.
※The Inoriboshi® will be released a little upstream from the Roadside Station.
※This event is expected to be very crowded.

↓If you want to avoid crowds, please join the tour below.↓
・Tour organized by Minamiizu Town Tourism Association: Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars Tour (until 2/28)
Reserve/Apply here → https://x.gd/EGMCM

・Vendors will be located behind the Tourist Information Center and Yunohana Chokubaijo (Yunohana Farm Stand).
There will be special vendor stalls during the Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars event from 2/27 to 3/1.

※The posted images are from 2015.
※The Milky Way Project🄬 is a registered trademark, so unauthorized use is prohibited. Commercial use by entities other than individuals is also prohibited.

【The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival】
Held from February 1 to March 10

🌸About “The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival”
https://x.gd/8BXol

🌸Bloom status (updated regularly)
https://x.gd/iyca6

🌸Parking status (updated regularly)
https://x.gd/zbToA

🌸Live camera
https://x.gd/smGtI

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival

February 7, 2026 Nakatsugawa City, Magome inn (Magome-juku) Within the Magome post town, around Fujimura Memorial Hall

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

🏖️ 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 😊✨

Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2026

The 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival
Held February 1 – March 10

🌸 About the 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival
https://x.gd/8BXol

🌸 Bloom Status (updated regularly)
https://x.gd/iyca6

🌸 Parking Status (updated regularly)
https://x.gd/zbToA

🌸 Live Camera
https://x.gd/smGtI

〈If arriving by public transportation〉
Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3).
Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree avenue is behind it.)
The nanohana fields are right by the Hino stop.
Tokai Bus tel: 0558-22-2514
Note: Minamiizu Town has no train service and parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Services run about once per hour.
Tokai Bus link
https://www.tokaibus.jp/
〈If arriving by car〉
Please head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana.
There are dedicated parking lots nearby; please use them.
⚠ When visiting or photographing the nanohana fields and the nanohana along the cherry tree avenue, please do not step on the flowers!
⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on river slopes near roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please do not enter these areas for your safety.
Please use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property.