The scenery of Azumino, with its beautiful fresh greenery.

On April 23rd, Azumino enjoyed a sunny morning. The dogwood trees began to bloom, adding beauty to the landscape of Azumino. This is the northern part of Azumino, along the streets of Aokemi Industrial Park.

The former Japanese National Railways Shinonoi Line abandoned track in Azumino Walking here, you will find two brick tunnels One of them is the Urushikubo Tunnel😄 This charming tunnel was built in 1897 In the past, steam locomotives🚂 ran here.

Dam Park Ibarakita 53-1 Oaza Namihoko, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture Parking: 100 yen for regular cars per 30 minutes (maximum 600 yen during the day) Temporary parking: Free Peak crowded periods Golden Week (late April to early May) Summer vacation period (late July to August) Silver Week (mid-September) The middle day of a three-day weekend Weekends and holidays A nature-rich park located around Aigawa Dam in the northern area of Ibaraki City (commonly known as Ibarakita). It features a dog run, facilities for markets and cooking, a park center, event plaza, outdoor stage, and open spaces. At the activity park "GRAVITATE OSAKA," visitors can enjoy views of Aigawa Dam from the pedestrian-only suspension bridge "GODA BRIDGE," which is approximately 420 meters long. Throughout the year, various events are held that allow visitors to enjoy nature, with activities suitable for children. Dam Park Ibarakita regularly hosts food trucks. Bringing your own bento is allowed Vending machines are available on-site. While drinks can be purchased, food sales may be limited, so bringing your own is recommended. Pets are allowed in the park. However, outside the dog run, pets must be on a leash that the owner can control (approximately 2 meters in length). It is prohibited to leave pet waste unattended.

Hello, this is Ryusuidō. Shosenkyo Gorge is enveloped in soft new greenery, welcoming a pleasant season🌿 The weeping cherry blossoms at Shōgyokudō in the Takigami area are gradually turning into leaf blossoms, but they are doing their best to greet everyone😊 The mountain rose (yamabuki) blooming close to the rocky surface also reminds us of the season!❗️ Shosenkyo is also famous as the birthplace of the April birthstone, crystal. It can be used for everything from accessories to interior decor and is said to be a "universal stone" that brings good fortune, purification, and protection, making it suitable for anyone✨ In the Takigami area, there are many spots where you can forget your daily routine and have fun, such as the Hachushuike, where you can toss in eight balls for wishes, so please come visit Shosenkyo‼ All of our staff are looking forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles😊

April 13 Azumino Cherry Blossom Blooming Information The cherry blossoms at the famous spot in Azumino, Mount Hikarujo, are in full bloom!! This year, they reached the summit in no time. The cherry blossoms on Mount Hikarujo are planted along the hiking trail, blooming like a "rising dragon" from the trailhead to the summit♪ Please be careful as parking is limited for those driving!

Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, opens on April 1st, showcasing vibrant fresh greenery. A beautiful natural landscape of streams and forests. With deep greens and clear flowing waters, it offers healing to visitors and represents a prominent tourist spot in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. This place allows you to feel the mysteries of nature throughout the four seasons. The average water temperature is 13 degrees year-round. In spring, enjoy fresh greenery; in summer, a cool retreat; and in autumn, the beautiful foliage. It has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Forest Bathing Areas, Top 100 Famous Waters, and Top 100 Waterfalls, among others. Covered with natural broadleaf trees, you can enjoy seasonal wildflowers. Breathtaking views of waterfalls, cobalt blue streams, and primeval forests await. The fresh greenery in spring is stunning, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. The walking paths are well-maintained, allowing you to feel the clear streams up close. There is also a glass-enclosed rest area where you can enjoy the view from the terrace, and light snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase. As of April 1, 2026, parking will be free. On weekends and holidays, a sightseeing shared taxi is available, making it a convenient and economical option. Kikuchi Gorge, filled with the charm of beautiful nature and clear streams, is perfect for hiking and walking, providing a refreshing experience for both body and mind. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kikuchikeikoku...

March 23rd A gloriously clear, sunny day in Azumino Many hikers at the summit of Mount Nagamine were enjoying this view!! Today even hang gliders made an appearance

March 5th From the summit of Mount Nagamine in Azumino’s satoyama, you can enjoy a sky-high view Views of Azumino town and the Northern Alps The forest road is still closed for the winter, so please climb on foot and work up a sweat♪

Hello everyone, this is Jewelry Town. Shosenkyo Gorge, a Japan Heritage site, is bathed in the soft light of spring and welcomes a season of crisp, refreshing air🏞️ At Arakawa Dam, early-blooming kanhizakura cherry blossoms have begun to open, giving a sense that spring has arrived🌸 Ride the ropeway up to 1,058 meters and, on a clear day, you can see the distant, beautiful Mount Fuji🗻 Nearby, Jewelry Town stands quietly, where a variety of raw stones, including power stones inspired by the 2026 zodiac sign 🐎, rest peacefully, creating a space that gently comforts the hearts of visitors🤗 Surrounded by the calm of nature, why not take your time and find that one favorite stone in a relaxed moment💎 Enjoy a gentle, peaceful springtime experience that softly colors the season✨ Please do stop by when you can. All of our staff warmly await your visit.

🌸 Hike the highest peak of Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, and enjoy a spectacular azalea walk! 🌸 On Sunday, April 19, join the “Spring Tenjiku Azalea Walk for Health”✨ The setting is Tenjiku, the highest peak on Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, located in Reihoku. At this time of year, the summit greets visitors with azaleas in full bloom. The contrast between fresh green leaves and the azaleas creates a truly breathtaking view! Would you like to walk an out-and-back course of about 11 km while feeling the pleasant spring breeze? After descending, a tasty onigiri boxed lunch included in the participation fee will be waiting for you🍙 This event is limited to the first 100 people. Bring your family and friends and enjoy spring in Amakusa together! 🎁 This event qualifies for Kumamoto Health Points (20 points). 📅 Event Details 〇 Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 [Registration] 8:30 AM – [Departure ceremony] 9:30 AM ※Held in light rain; canceled in heavy rain 〇 Meeting place: Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School (site of Kiba Elementary School) 📍 Search Google Maps for “Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School” 〇 Course: Approx. 11.0 km round trip 〇 Participation fee (includes onigiri boxed lunch and insurance) ・Elementary school age and older: 1,000 yen ・Preschool children: Free (boxed lunch can be ordered separately for 500 yen) 〇 Capacity: First 100 applicants 〇 Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM 👉 How to apply Please apply through the application form on the homepage linked in the profile URL. We look forward to your participation!

Notice of Reopening of the Ponpon Mountain Trail We would like to inform you about the reopening of the Ponpon Mountain Trail. The Ponpon Mountain Trail, which is currently closed, will reopen on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Please note that the Doba area connected to the trail will remain closed to private vehicle parking until December 30, 2026, because it will be used for forest maintenance work. Please check nearby public parking lots and use those facilities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Contact: Konsen Western Forest Management Office, Kawayu Forest Management Office Tel:015-482-2469

This is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. How are you all doing? 😊 Winter at Shosenkyo Gorge is the season when the air is clearest and the landscape is wrapped in silence ❄️ Please enjoy the unique charm of this time of year, when you can have Shosenkyo all to yourself without interruption. While strolling through Shosenkyo Gorge, stop by shops selling jewelry and natural stones, and try sensing their “power” directly 💎✨ If you get hungry, warm your chilled body with a hot local dish 🍲 Escape the everyday and come to Shosenkyo to enjoy a special winter scenery. *Road surfaces can freeze in winter.* When you visit, please prepare winter tires 🚗⚠️ All our staff sincerely look forward to welcoming you 🌿

We will begin operating the 2026 winter “Teshikaga Eco Passport” town sightseeing bus (advance reservation required) and start a luggage delivery service! Here is the 2026 winter schedule for the Mashu–Kussharo Sightseeing Loop Bus, which visits the main scenic spots within Teshikagacho. The loop bus ticket, called the “Teshikaga Eco Passport,” is available again this year as a 2-day or 3-day pass. Please make an advance reservation and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who are uneasy about driving or who want to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga easily. For details, see Teshikaga Navi. Service period Saturday, January 24, 2026–Sunday, March 1, 2026 Fees Adult (おとな) Child (こども) 2-day pass (2days) 2,000 yen 1,000 yen 3-day pass (3days) 3,000 yen 1,000 yen Contact Mashu Lake Tourism Association 3-3-1 Mashu 3-chome, Teshikagacho, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201 TEL: 015-482-2200 Email: masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

Gonbe Pass (Gonbee Toge) When transporting Ina rice to Kiso, the routes over Shiojiri Pass or Ushikubi Pass were fine up to Narai, but Torii Pass lay beyond and made the journey inconvenient in terms of days and rice prices. To solve this, cattle driver foreman Furuhata Gonbei spent two years opening a route through this pass, 1,523 meters above sea level, to reach Ina. Afterwards, rice flowed from Inadani Valley to Kiso Valley, while lacquerware, bentwood items and other woodcraft traveled from Kiso to Ina. In recognition of this achievement, the pass came to be called Gonbe Pass. As the watershed between the Shinano River system and the Tenryu River system, the views from this pass are superb: you can look down over Inadani Valley and enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Southern Alps. In spring’s fresh buds, summer’s deep green and mountain streams, and autumn’s foliage, the scenery delights travelers through every season. The pass is designated as part of the Shinanoji Nature Trail Gonbei Pass Route, where you can fully savor the great outdoors.

Hello 😃 This is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom. This time we present “A View You Haven’t Seen Yet!” ✨ Shosenkyo Gorge has a ropeway that rises to the summit, where a panoramic spectacle unfolds on clear days. What the view looks like… come and find out for yourself 😊 You’ll also find an owl sculpture somewhere and artwork made by affixing stones together 🎨 If you look closely at this artwork, you’ll see words written on each stone. It’s fun to stroll around searching for the sculptures and art 🔍 And Valentine’s Day is coming soon 🍫 Why not toast with wine with a close friend or partner once in a while 🥂 You might discover a wonderful wine that makes a perfect gift 🎁 It’s still a cold season, so please dress warmly when you visit 🧣❄️

Kawayu Onsen website 'From the Information Desk' updated📝🆙 On Sunday, October 12, a report on the Gastronomy Walking event held in the Kawayu Onsen district has been posted🚶🍙❣️ The article shows participants enjoying local food and learning about Teshikaga while walking around the Kawayu Onsen area. Please take a look🐻 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/931/...

New Year shrine-visit guide 🎍 This time we introduce Kikuchi Shrine, Hokumiya Aso Shrine, Hachidai Ryuo Shrine, and Mt. Kuradake. Kikuchi Shrine The shrine approach glows with warm lights at night, making for great photos. The "New Year Fortune Fukumikji" features luck-bringing prizes, including a Kikuchi Shrine award of an ever-growing half-sho of sacred sake and a grand prize of a zodiac ornament. Amazake is also available on the grounds, offering a relaxing warm break. Hokumiya Aso Shrine Hokumiya Aso Shrine sits right beside the gentle flow of the Kikuchi River. "Free Amazake Distribution" ・From New Year’s Eve, amazake will be distributed for free (while supplies last). "New Year Limited Goshuin" ・A limited goshuin stamp will be offered for the New Year. If you plan to watch the first sunrise, consider the views from Mt. Kuradake 🌄 Mt. Kuradake has a route that starts from the ninth station, so why not try a sunrise ascent to greet the first sun of the year? #Kikuchi Shrine #Mt. Kuradake hike #Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/22620... https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/22679...

Toyama Prefecture Tateyamamachi Shomyo Falls Snow fell late at night, letting the autumn leaves and snow perform together Standing close to Shomyo Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall by drop, the roar of the water is overwhelming

Tateyamamachi, Toyama Prefecture Akashiro no Kabe Snow fell late at night, and around Shomyo Falls I saw a duet of autumn leaves and snow I arrived early in the morning, and some forest roads were frozen I photographed Akashiro no Kabe with a fisheye lens

Kamiichimachi, Toyama Prefecture – Mount Sengokujōyama This spot is reachable by car via a forest road Photographed from the forest road up Mount Sengokujōyama The beautiful autumn leaves and the snow-capped Tsurugi-dake made a stunning sight

Kamiichimachi, Toyama Prefecture – Seseragi no Komichi I walked from Seseragi no Komichi to near the check dam Mt. Tsurugi was nearby, but clouds got in the way so I couldn’t see it clearly; I’ll get a better shot next time

Honzawa Onsen in Yatsugatake is Japan’s highest open-air bath. Autumn’s chill and mist make the mountain silence stand out. Rugged rock faces and trees turning golden, and an old sign that has watched over many climbers, create the scene. Walking, barely dressed and shivering to reach the bath, I felt the warmth of human kindness.

[Advance Reservation Required] Winter 2026 “Teshikaga Eco Passport” Town Sightseeing Bus Now Running! We are announcing the Winter 2026 operation schedule for the Mashu–Kussharo Sightseeing Loop Bus, which visits the main scenic spots around Teshikaga. The loop bus ticket, the “Teshikaga Eco Passport,” is available again this year in two options: a 2-day pass and a 3-day pass. Please make a reservation in advance and take advantage of it. It is recommended for those who are uneasy about driving or who want to enjoy sightseeing around Teshikaga with ease. For details, check the link “Teshikaga Navi.” Operation Period Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 Fares Adult Child 2-day pass (2 days) 2,000 yen 1,000 yen 3-day pass (3 days) 3,000 yen 1,000 yen Contact Mashu Lake Tourism Association 3-3-1 Mashu 3-chome, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201, Japan TEL: 015-482-2200 Email: masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

[Event Closed Announcement📢] The “Teshikaga Hikari Request” ended on November 30. To everyone who participated, thank you so much!✨ Winners will be notified by shipment instead of a public announcement. On our official LINE, we will continue to share event updates and delightful news! We appreciate your continued support of the Lake Mashu Tourism Association☺️

Hello from the Shosenkyo Tourist Association 😊 The autumn colors at Shosenkyo are gradually giving way to signs of winter. Rain and wind have started to strip leaves from the trees, but you can still enjoy autumn foliage around Kakuen Peak to Senga Falls for a little while longer 🍁✨ Golden leaves glowing in the sunlight, a carpet of soft fallen leaves underfoot, and the sound of the waterfall echoing through the quiet gorge… As in the photo, what you see now is the unique beauty of late autumn. A walk while listening to the rustle of falling leaves is a special experience available only in this season. Please come and enjoy the remaining autumn colors 🍂🌈

Tsukatte Fukkatsu ♨️ Soak in the highly acidic Kawayu Onsen, whose waters can even dissolve nails, and let its baths melt away your everyday gloom and sever unwanted ties!! The Kawayu Onsen bond-cutting bath tour plan is on sale at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, and Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura‼︎🎶 If you can’t spare that much time, we also offer a day-trip ema (votive plaque) for 2,000 yen each✨Come refresh both mind and body with the bond-cutting bath tour～💪♨️

Beginner-friendly! Hike Mt. Kuradake from the 9th station Mt. Kuradake sits in Kyokushi, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its appeal is that you can drive up to the 9th station and reach the summit in about a 30-minute walk, making it an easy outing. The mountain takes its name from the saddle-like shape you see from the foothills. There are several routes to suit different abilities, including the Forest Course, the Panorama Course, and the East Trailhead Course (9th station). Hikers from beginners to advanced enjoy this mountain. From the summit you get a 360-degree panorama. You can take in sweeping views of the Five Peaks of Aso, the Kuju Mountains in Oita, and Unzen in Nagasaki. Wildflowers bloom along the way, offering seasonal variety. Signposts and markers make the route relatively easy to follow. Relax at the summit with a packed lunch or a cup of coffee. It’s also a great spot to watch the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kuratake...

I climbed Yatsugatake's main peak, MtAkadake (2,899 m), via Kenkai Ridge while also inspecting the trail. It was my first time on Kenkai Ridge at this season. From around Daitengu, the path turned snowy and shaded sections were icy and very slippery. I put on chain spikes for the descent. The weather was perfect, but strong west winds made the summit cold. It already felt like winter up there, and the mountain hut is closed at this time of year. Hikers should take care. Climbing Kenkai Ridge in the deep winter is extremely dangerous; there have been recent fatal accidents. If you plan to climb, do so in the snow-free season.