Event Announcement 📣 From February 11 to February 14, 2026, Nakasatsunaimura will host “Snow Art Village Nakasatsunai 2026” for four days 😊 You can view the expansive snow art that local snow artist and AOILO Inc. representative Tomohiro Kajiyama creates on the snowy plain from a special 8-meter-high yagura viewing platform 🎵 Please enjoy this snow-made art that you can only see in the art village of Nakasatsunai 🤗 📍Dates: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 ▶ Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM *Canceled in severe weather; event dates may change depending on snowfall conditions 📍Venue: Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center and surrounding special event sites 🔶 Indoor Event Venue (Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center) 📍 Snow Art Video Screening We will screen past snow art works and footage of the making process. 📍 Snow Art Panel Exhibition (Entrance) A collection of past works shot by drone will be on display 🎶 Explore the history of Snow Art Village Nakasatsunai! https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/event-list/page-3619/...

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.

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

Suishinin Temple Suishinin Temple Hana no Ma Kyoto Yamashina Suishinin Temple Hana no Ma♪ Let's go to Kyoto. (February 2, 2026 – March 13, 2026) 35 Ono Goryo-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The "Hana no Ma" at Suishinin Temple transforms a space usually used as the Noh room into a vivid floral display for a special event. Held annually in honor of Ono no Komachi, a Heian-period poet often counted among the world’s three great beauties, the display offers visitors soothing beauty and moving impressions.

Sen'en Ridge (仙塩尾根), Minami Alps National Park, Japan

Gala Yuzawa is one of my favorite ski destination near Tokyo. Its not only a good ski resort but also a fabulous sightseeing spots. The snow-capped mountain peaks looks very beautiful and during sunset time creates an unforgettable moments.

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://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=73493...... 🌸 Bloom status (updated as needed) https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=162849...... 〈If you come by public transport〉 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-lined path is behind it.) The nanohana fields are immediately accessible from Hino stop on foot. Tokai Bus phone: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town is not served by train. Note: Parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp/rosen/minamiizu_2025feb.html... 〈If you come by car〉 Head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby, so please use them. ⚠ When viewing or photographing nanohana along the fields and cherry tree-lined path, do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on the riverbank slopes near the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please cooperate by not entering those areas. Note: Use the festival parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property. Minami-no-Sakura to Nanohana Matsuri🌸 Minami-no-Sakura and Nanohana Festival "The 28th Southern Cherry Blossom and Field Mustard Festival" 1st February - 10th March 2025 In Shimogamo, Minamiizu, Shizuoka, Japan You can see lovely pink sakura and bright yellow nanohana in Shimogamo. We expect the best time to see sakura to be in late February. Come and enjoy the early Japanese spring. －－－〇－－〇－－－ Official social media of Minamiizu Town Tourism Association X→https://twitter.com/info_mizu... Instagram→https://www.instagram.com/info_mizu... Website→https://www.minami-izu.jp...

MtKitahotaka

Early winter in Kamikochi

Jigokudani Yaen-koen monkeys A place famous for monkeys bathing in hot springs A monkey gazing at the hot spring amid falling snow A sense of melancholy lingered.

👹✨February 3 is Setsubun✨👹 When you think of Setsubun, you think of ehomaki! The lucky direction for 2026 is south-southeast. Face that direction, hold a wish in your mind, and silently take a big bite of the whole thick roll—this is the tradition of eating an ehomaki. This year, why not make your very own ehomaki at the sushi counter?🍣 Using delicious, naturally sweet rice from Kikuchi and guided directly by a sushi chef, enjoy a rare rolled-sushi-making experience. It’s designed so even young children can join in, making it perfect for creating family memories. Bring your family and friends and make special Setsubun memories together✨ 📌Details and reservations here https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...

this is my first time taking photos of car

I visited the Yokohama Museum of Art to see "Vienna at the Fin de Siècle: The Golden Age of Beauty." The exhibition wraps you in the atmosphere of the era. Rather than simply looking at the works, it offers time to experience the values of beauty. Egon Schiele’s presence quietly yet powerfully lingers in the memory. I think this is an exhibition that comes across only when you visit in person. #Vienna at the Fin de Siècle #Egon Schiele #Art exhibition #Japanese culture #Cool Japan

Mount Fujiwara and Sangi Railway (Hokusei Line) Inabe City, Mie Prefecture January 24, 2026

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees] Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort. The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography. I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting. I plan to share these images unedited. The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Flowers That Color the Shimanto River Basin 1. Climate of Shimanto City Shimanto City enjoys abundant forests, the clear Shimanto River, and the pacific ocean to its southeast, offering a rich natural environment. From 1991 through 2020, the average temperature was 16.5°C and the average annual precipitation was 2,877.9 mm, giving the area a warm, Pacific-type climate. 2. Flowers Nurtured by the Mild Climate [Spring] 〇 Around late February, when the spring sun begins to warm the days, the Iruta Yanagi Grove in the Shimanto River lower basin turns a tender yellow-green as new buds swell, and some 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom across the willow groves like a yellow carpet. This is an iconic scene that announces spring in the Shimanto River watershed. 〇 By late March, the cherry trees at the hilltop viewing spot Tamesho Park come into full bloom. Lanterns are lit during the cherry blossom season, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms as well. The Shimanto City Local Museum sits nearby, so while learning about local history you can also take in the views from its observation floor. (Shimanto City Local Museum opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Wednesdays) At Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park, neatly planted cherry trees and well-kept lawns invite visitors to sit and enjoy hanami while admiring the spring-bright Shimanto River. In the Shimanto River lower basin, plowing of rice fields begins around this time and the frogs start to call. 〇 When the cherry blossoms fall and the trees turn to leaf, look toward Kōzan-ji Temple to see the city flower, wisteria, paint the slopes purple. Kōzan-ji is also popular for hiking and birdwatching, and a park with play equipment makes it a favorite spot for families on holidays. 〇 In breezy May, roses and lilies cultivated by local residents brighten the pastoral inland landscapes in the Nishitosa area. Omiya Rose Garden welcomes visitors with about 500 rose bushes, while Nishitosa Yabukachi greets them with roughly 12,000 lilies. 〇 At this time of year, Shimanto Dragonfly Park shows dragonflies dancing above waters edged with water lilies and irises. Established in 1985 as the world’s first dragonfly reserve, the park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly. The Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio, attached to the park, exhibits insect specimens from around the world including dragonflies, alongside fish that inhabit the Shimanto River. (Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Mondays) [Early summer] 〇 Under rainy, cloudy skies in June, Yasunami Waterwheel Village delights visitors with the rhythmic clack of turning waterwheels while hydrangeas along the waterways blaze with color. Sheltered pavilions near the channels make it pleasant to sit and watch the hydrangeas and the rural scenery. In the inland parts of Shimanto City, summer heat can be intense; when northwesterly winds blow, the foehn effect can raise temperatures and sea breezes from the pacific ocean have difficulty reaching inland, causing high heat. On August 12, 2013, Egawazaki recorded Japan’s highest temperature that year at 41.0°C. [Autumn] 〇 In late September, when the sky seems a little higher, the Iruta Yanagi Grove is enlivened by clusters of red spider lilies (manjushage) that dye the area bright red, and autumn insects begin to call from the grasses. Around this time the severe summer heat gradually eases. 〇 In early November, when autumn deepens, beautiful fall colors appear along the ravines of the Kurozon River, a tributary of the Shimanto River. [Winter] Although Shimanto City benefits from a mild climate, snow does fall some winters in the mountain valleys and on plains opening toward the Bungo Channel, and mornings and evenings often dip below freezing. Daytime, however, tends to be mild with many pleasant, sunny winter days. 3. Events to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring The Iruta Yanagi Grove, introduced above, hosts the Nanohana Festival. At the Nanohana Festival, the rapeseed flower groves spread like a yellow carpet and a variety of events are planned, including sales of local specialty products and wind band performances by junior and senior high school students. Please come and enjoy Shimanto River sightseeing when the rapeseed flowers are in bloom.

A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who once took part are now parents, passing the tradition to today's kids. On Sunday, January 18, the "Dondoya"—held at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years—took place. The familiar crack of bamboo snapping, "Bachi bachi!" Beyond the height of the flames, the crowd's warmth was overwhelming…! They grilled mochi over the embers, enjoyed steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and sipped pork miso soup that warmed the body. Watching children stuffing their cheeks with mochi they had toasted themselves, I felt reminded of the importance of keeping this tradition alive. From the lighting at 9 a.m., the happy hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who planned and prepared the event. Winter in Tomioka is the best. If you missed it, why not join the circle next year? If you want to help preserve Reihoku's traditions, please follow us via the icon at the top left to show your support. We’re sharing the charms of Reihoku! ✨

Kneeling quietly against a deep black background. With closed eyes, what is on their mind? All that remains in the darkness is emotion. #Portrait #Art Photography #Expressive Photography #Photography of Japan #Cool Japan You may use this as-is for Cool Japan. Shall we go for the next one?

Yokohama Noge The beauty of lowered eyes quietly leaves an impression in this shot. I captured the moment when the air slowly shifts from winter to spring. If expressed in color, it feels almost white. photo yutti model SAGI #portrait #artphotography #japanesephotography #seasonalchange #cooljapan

A nesting burrow for Pirika

Photographed on January 20th: Atami cherry blossoms are in full bloom at several spots 🌸 (Kamanariya Heishichi Statue · Itokawa Promenade · Shinshui Park Third Section · Sanremo Park · Kaihin Park · Nagisa Koen Park) Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival runs until February 8th https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

This is a photo of the Atami Cherry Blossoms along Itokawa Promenade illuminated on January 17th 🌸 https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

Good morning! The blooms are advancing! What will this week's cold snap do?! Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival February 14, 2026–March 29, 2026

A Slightly Snowy Gujo Hachiman Castle Date: December 2025 Location: Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture * Flight application for Gujo Hachiman approved * Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permit obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism * Flight plan submitted and flight log prepared

At Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture, photographed Title: Reverie

“Can you believe all of this is handmade?” A massive pyre has appeared that can withstand the sea breeze of Tomioka. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18th at 9:00 AM, the Dondoyama ceremony will take place at Tomioka Elementary School. This pyre rises more than five meters high. Looking up from below, you’ll be overwhelmed by its sheer presence. Please come and feel the passion that everyone poured into preparing for this day on site. A winter tradition wishing for good health and safety. Let’s watch together the moment a great pillar of flame soars into the Tomioka sky!