Photos added on 2/12!

The 28th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flower Festival
Held from February 1 to March 10.

About “The 28th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flower 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 rapeseed flower fields are right by the Hino stop.
Tokai Bus phone: 0558-22-2514
Note: Minami-Izu Town has no train service.
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 designated parking lots nearby; please use them.
⚠ Please do not step on the rapeseed flowers when viewing or photographing the fields and cherry tree-lined path!
⚠ Some people step on the rapeseed flowers growing on the riverbank slopes near the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please refrain from entering these areas for safety.
Note: Use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private land.

－－－〇－－〇－－－
Official SNS of the Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association
X → https://x.com/info_mizu
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/info_mizu
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@minamiizu_tourism

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

Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori Prefecture

Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori Prefecture

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 🌸 Results Announcement]

Thank you for waiting‼️
Here are the results of “Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” 🥳🎉

This time, in addition to followers of our association’s Instagram account, winners were decided by votes submitted via Google Form and by general voting at four polling stations set up around Gokasecho 👏✨

Amazingly, we received a total of 151 votes 😳❗ Thank you to everyone who voted 🙇‍♀️💕

We will send a “Voter Prize” to 10 people selected by lottery from among those who voted ✨

We have already contacted the winners 💡 Please note that the notification of winning serves as the official announcement of the winners 🙏

Now, here are the results 👇👇👇

[🥇 Gold Prize]
@reoron001219 (photo 2)
[🥈 Silver Prize]
@_yuta610 (photo 3)
[🥉 Bronze Prize]
@fowafuwarin5 (photo 4)
@sakai_0808 (photo 5)

This time, two entrants shared the Bronze Prize 🎉 Each entry was stunningly beautiful and made us sigh in admiration 🥹✨ As always, we are simply amazed by everyone’s photography skills 😳❗

Also!! We are announcing the collaboration award with the Gokase Sakura Project organized by Gokase Secondary School (@saku_puro): the “Gokase Sakura Project Award” 🤩 👏

The winner is…

[🌸 Gokase Sakura Project Award]
@thusandleavis (photo 6)

Congratulations to all the winners㊗️🥳🎉
And thank you truly to everyone who applied, voted, and participated😭❤️‍🔥

We’ll have a stretch of steady rain for a while, but hot summer will arrive soon 🎐☀️
Let’s cherish the changing seasons and enjoy the rain and heat alike 💪💕

We hope you’ll join our next event ✨ Thank you very much 🙇‍♀️🌸

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】

Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"!
We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨

From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏

Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️

Here is how to vote💡

【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】
⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person.

<If voting via Google Form>
・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below
https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A
・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response.
⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance.

<If voting via Instagram>
・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/
・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍
⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware.

<If voting at a polling location>
・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope.

Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨

⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand.

Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗

1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1)
2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2)
3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3)
4 @_yuta610 (photo 4)
5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5)
6 @8215dr72 (photo 6)
7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7)
8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8)
9 @reoron001219 (photo 9)
10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10)
11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11)
12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12)

We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

I went to Yatsushiro hometown Park in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture to take pictures of Koshu silkworms and cherry blossoms, and the whole city was Festival Spring Township peach Minamoto, and the bamboo was being baked. The collaboration with cherry blossoms was very beautiful.

The cherry blossoms on Mt. Shintoku Shrine are reaching their peak bloom 🌸

Evening illumination runs until Sunday, May 11th 🎵

Cherry blossoms fade in the blink of an eye, but their fleeting beauty is wonderful, isn’t it?

If you’d like to catch that momentary glow, please come by 🤗

■ Period: Friday, April 25th, 2025 – Sunday, May 11th, 2025

■ Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

■ Location: Mt. Shintoku Shrine

*Please note the schedule may change depending on the condition of the blossoms.*

■ Contact
Shintoku Town Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)
Phone: 0156-64-0522
Business hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM

https://shintoku-town.net/%e6%96%b0%e5%be%97%e7%a5%9e%e7%a4%be%e5%b1%b1-%e5%a4%9c%e6%a1%9c%e3%83%a9%e3%82%a4%e3%83%88%e3%82%a2%e3%83%83%e3%83%97/

Thank you very much for waiting!

We will begin the light-up tonight, May 2.🔦
6:00 PM–10:00 PM
The period will be determined based on when the blossoms fall.

Since temperatures are still low, please bring warm clothing when you visit.💁‍♀️

Approximately 2,300 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees on Mt. Shintoku Shrine will be lit from the shrine office area up the steps toward the precincts and around the shrine grounds.
Mt. Shintoku Shrine is one of the prefecture’s premier cherry-viewing spots.
@shintokujinja
When in full bloom, the view is truly impressive!

* The event period may shift slightly depending on the timing of petal fall.
Please check @welcome_shintoku on social media before coming.
* To avoid stressing the flowers, we use LED floodlights for an environmentally considerate illumination.

We look forward to your visit.🌸

#Hokkaido
#Hokkaido gourmet
#Hokkaido sightseeing
#Hokkaido
#Tokachi
#Tokachi
#Tokachi sightseeing
#Tokachi gourmet
#Shintoku Town
#Shintoku
#Soba town Shintoku Town
#Cherry-viewing spot
#Night cherry blossoms
#Night cherry blossom illumination

#hokkaido
#hokkaido_lovers
#hokkaido_love
#ilovehokkaido
#hokkaidotrip
#hokkaidolikers
#hokkaidolove
#hokkaidosgram
#hokkaidofood
#hokkaidotravel
#tokachi
#shintoku
#welcomeshintoku

[🌸Gokase Hanami 2025 Submitted Photos — Part 10🌸]

The entries submitted to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” held on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account have reached a pause for now as of today💪🌸 The photo contest is still open, so please do submit your entries🤗✨

@_yuta610
@fowafuwarin5
@meiko_ryu
@tokotan2._.2

(in no particular order)

This time we received many night cherry blossom photos👏 Even with a step ladder or whatever I try, I can’t take good night photos at all — how do people manage to capture such beautiful night shots like these?🤔 They’re truly wonderful!!!

We’ll post again when more featured works have been collected🤗💡

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≪#Gokase Hanami 2025 — How to Enter≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #date of shooting (example: #March 20)🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents when photographing.

🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photos, No. 9 🌸

We’re wrapping up the introductions to the entries submitted to “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account, with just one more installment to go 🥹 Thank you for so many wonderful submissions 👏✨

@8215dr72
@920cherry71
@omilove.1203

(in no particular order)

We received breathtakingly beautiful photos that make you sigh 🥺💕 Many photos feature Josenji, but we also loved fresh perspectives such as shots of the cherry-tree-lined road taken from afar and weeping cherry trees reflected in car windows — truly lovely 😳💫

Yesterday we announced that Akebono azaleas and rhododendrons are at their best 💡 With the weather not looking great today or tomorrow, we worry they may not last, so if you can, please take photos and submit them to “#Gokase Hanami 2025” 🤗✨

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How to Enter “#Gokase Hanami 2025”

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #Date of shooting (for example: #March 20) 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Additional rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them carefully before entering.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 Photo Submissions — No. 8 — 🌸]

Lately, the Gokase Tourism Association has been featuring entries to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on its Instagram account, and only a few submissions remain to be showcased at this stage 😳

@taniyan1119
@tm21mt
@tourism09wine
@yaaaaaa.85
@naoki_photo.graphy
@naomin168
@kurota_kurohei

(In no particular order)

Mixed in with Josenji Temple and the Harada family’s site, we received many heartwarming shots of local weeping cherry trees, adorable pet dogs, and bright red boke (flowering quince) berries ☺️💕
Thank you all so much for the many submissions ✨ We’re still accepting entries, so feel free to post your photos anytime 🤗

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≪#How to Enter #Gokase Hanami 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho. Add the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #the shooting date (for example: #March 20) to your Instagram post 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: From Thursday, March 20, 2025 until Sunday, May 11, 2025
⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them before submitting.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[🌸Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 Entry Photo Showcase – Part 7–🌸]

We continue to share entries submitted to the "#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025" held on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account🤗🌟

@sokoatari.urouro

This collection captures many expressions of the weeping cherry tree at Josenji Temple😳✨Daytime, nighttime, from far, from near, from below… each perspective brings a totally different feel, and it’s fascinating👏!

We won’t post tomorrow, but we still have many entries to show, so please stay tuned a little longer☺️🙏

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≪#How to Enter #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (example: #March 20)🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️Other terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before entering.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Entries, No. 6 🌸]

It’s finally starting to get truly warm here. ☀️

Today we continue showcasing works entered in the “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” contest on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account. 💪💡

@smail_barm
@taka_gr86rz
@takataka0129
@thusandleavis

(in no particular order)

We received submissions of weeping cherry blossoms from Josenji, the Harada family, and Kijiya. 🌸✨
There’s also a photo of the cherry tree at Koshouji at the foot of Gokase Winery — it’s huge! 😳

What kind of entries will appear tomorrow? 🤗 Stay tuned!!

The photo contest is still open for submissions. 🌟 Spring in Gokase isn’t just about cherry blossoms — please photograph various flowers and enter! 🥳

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[How to Enter the #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025]

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (for example: #March 20). 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 through Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Other terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

Announcement of the "Shintoku Shrine Mountain Spring Festival"

Date: Sunday, April 27
Time: 10:00–15:00
Location: Shintoku Shrine Mountain

An event will take place within the grounds of Shintoku Shrine Mountain🌸
And, after last year’s entertaining performance, you can enjoy Gassy’s magic show and balloon art again this year🎈
Also, visitors who make purchases at the vendor booths will receive lottery tickets, so this is an event you can enjoy from start to finish.
There will be music, delicious food, and food stalls, so please stop by while viewing the cherry blossoms🌸

Shops
@ueda.meat
Koyanagi Foods
@ramen_miurashouten
@impulse_hokkaido_shintoku
Chamber of Commerce Youth Division
@yuka_cyoko
Kotoise
Twilight Showa Diner
THE YARD
@hokkohmilk
Get New Sand

Guest
gassy0120

We look forward to seeing you💁‍♀️

Announcement of the "Shintoku Shrine Mountain Spring Festival"

Date: Sunday, April 27
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: Shintoku Shrine Mountain

The event will be held within the grounds of Shintoku Shrine Mountain🌸
And last year, you can see Gassy's magic show and balloon art again this year🎈
In addition, those who shop at the exhibition booths will win a lottery ticket, so it's an event that you can enjoy to the fullest from start to finish.
There will be music, delicious food, and food stalls, so please come and see the cherry blossoms🌸

#Hokkaido
#Tokachi
#Shintoku Town
#Shintoku
#Shintoku Shrine Mountain
#Spring Festival

#hokkaido
#hokkaido_lovers
#hokkaido_love
#ilovehokkaido
#hokkaidotrip
#hokkaidolikers
#hokkaidolove
#hokkaidosgram
#hokkaidotravel
#tokachi
#shintoku
#welcomeshintoku

【🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 4 🌸】

We are continuing to showcase works submitted to the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 event, which is currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. Today we bring you more entries every day🌟

@fowafuwarin5
@gokase_pan
@hisabou1958
@kickcamp_with_jimny
@landscape133_22
@madame.rururu

(in no particular order)

This time there are many night cherry blossom photos from Kijiya🌸🌙
We are very pleased to see Josenji and the Harada family’s weeping cherry trees captured from so many perspectives☺️💕

There are also striking shots of the red-and-white camellias blooming at the base of Josenji’s cherry trees✨It’s delightful to enjoy the charm of various flowers🎶

We are still accepting submissions, so please send yours in abundance🤗✨

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≪How to enter Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and the photo date (for example: March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️ Please take care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Photos Vol.2 🌸]

We’re back with another big batch of entries to the “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” contest now running on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account. We’ll be sharing many of the submissions today.💪🌟

@1230fuukeinoturishi

These nostalgic shots capture not only the classic weeping cherry at Josenji Temple but also everyday cherry blossom scenes from the Kuraoka area.🥺

The photographer’s sensibility that turns your eyes not only to the cherry trees but also to the charming mountain flowers is something to admire and learn from…🙏✨

We’ll be featuring entries every day for a while, so please stay with us.🙇‍♀️

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≪#How to Enter: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 ≫
Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho. Add the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (for example: #March 20) to your Instagram post. 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 through Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html

⚠️ Please take full care to avoid accidents when photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 1 🌸]

We are sharing entries submitted to the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.🫡✨

So many lovely entries arrived, and we’ll be showcasing them one after another.👏
@_yuta610
@a2o_yoshino
@aaatkt6
(in no particular order)

Photos feature the cherry blossoms at Josenji, the Harada family residence, Kijiya, and Mikasho Shrine.💡
The daytime blossoms and the night cherry trees are both truly beautiful.🥹💕

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≪How to Enter the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 Contest≫
Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and the shooting date (for example: March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Other terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html

⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while shooting photos.

The cherry blossoms at night in Fujimori Park were also beautiful!
There were still many stalls night shops Stalls, so it was crowded with many Cherry blossom viewers.
* This is also a photo of the day before yesterday.

The 2025 season Shintoku Shrine Hill "Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up" has been confirmed.

Period: April 25 (Fri) to May 11 (Sun)

About 2,300 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees on Shintoku Shrine Hill will be illuminated, from the area around the shrine office up along the stairs to the precincts and nearby grounds.
Shintoku Shrine Hill is one of Hokkaido’s leading cherry blossom spots.
@shintokujinja
When in full bloom, the view is truly spectacular!
We can’t wait for the warm spring weather and the buds to sprout.

*The event period may shift slightly earlier or later depending on the timing of the cherry blossoms’ opening and falling.*
Please check @welcome_shintoku on social media before you visit.
The illumination uses LED floodlights to minimize stress on the flowers and to be environmentally conscious.

We look forward to welcoming you all 🌸

#Hokkaido
#Hokkaido gourmet
#Hokkaido sightseeing
#Hokkaido (alternate)
#Tokachi
#Tokachi (alternate)
#Tokachi tourism
#Tokachi gourmet
#Shintoku Town
#Shintoku
#Soba Town Shintoku Town
#Cherry blossom spot
#Night cherry blossoms
#Night cherry blossom light-up

#hokkaido
#hokkaido_lovers
#hokkaido_love
#ilovehokkaido
#hokkaidotrip
#hokkaidolikers
#hokkaidolove
#hokkaidosgram
#hokkaidofood
#hokkaidotravel
#tokachi
#shintoku

[🌸 Night Cherry Blossoms Around Gokasecho 🌙]

The weeping cherry trees across town are now in full bloom, and their night-time beauty is not to be missed ✨

So, I’ll share the night cherry blossom photos I took on Sunday, April 6th 📸🤗

Josenji needs no introduction, and the weeping cherry at the Harada residence overwhelms you with its powerful presence 😳

It was a clear day, and the moonlight paired beautifully with the blossoms 🌙

The weeping cherries around Josenji’s bell were a little behind, but they bloomed fully and created an elegant scene 👏

Kijiya has finally reached its peak, and the night cherry blossoms reflected on the pond are stunning 🥹✨

Daytime sakura are wonderful, but a night cherry blossom tour is lovely too 😌🌸 Fewer people are around, so you can enjoy them at a relaxed pace 💡

The light-up schedule is as follows: Josenji’s weeping cherry until Sunday, April 13th, and Kijiya’s weeping cherry until Wednesday, April 16th 😊

Please be quiet when viewing at night, since these trees are near private homes 🤫

Also, dressing in dark colors can make you hard to see from cars at night. Wear noticeable colors like yellow or white or use reflectors to avoid accidents 🙏

These weeping cherries will likely treat us to their beauty for a little while longer 😊 Let’s enjoy them safely and courteously ✨

We have received many photos for our ongoing #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 campaign on the association’s Instagram account (@gokae_kanko) — thank you so much 😭 Thank you 😭 We’re still accepting entries, so please do submit your photos — seriously, please!! 🙇‍♀️✨
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Gongendo Night Cherry Blossom 🌸 in the Rain Gari (Saute City, Saitama Prefecture)
Gari started to rain at night, and I rushed out with my camera in hand!
As expected, there were almost no people and I was very satisfied with shooting cherry blossoms at night at the cherry blossom Famous landmarks!

🌸 The weeping cherry trees at Josenji are now in bloom 🌸

In Gokasecho, the cooler-than-usual temperatures delayed the blossoms this year, but

the weeping cherry at Josenji has now reached its peak viewing period 🤗✨ (It is not yet fully in bloom!)
You should be able to enjoy the beautiful weeping cherry through the beginning of next week 🌸

The trees are also lit up after sunset, so please enjoy the night blossoms as well 👏✨
Please note that the Josenji illumination will end as soon as the peak viewing period passes 🙏

Expect heavy crowds, especially on weekends ⚠️ Follow the directions of traffic attendants around Josenji and take care when arriving by car 🚗

Nearby weeping cherries at the Harada residence and Kijiya are slowly coming into bloom as well, so enjoy them together 🫶

(And please consider entering photos you take in our association’s ongoing photo contest “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on Instagram 😘📸) https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Gokase Sakura Project: Cherry Blossom Festival🌸

On Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30, a cherry blossom festival took place around the weeping cherry tree in Kijiya.

This post shows scenes from Saturday, March 29.

Despite the low temperatures, the morning brought sunshine, and the venue buzzed with a wide variety of food stalls and kitchen cars and many visitors.

That evening, timed with the night illumination, members of Naniloa HULA studio performed a graceful hula dance.

Although the stage was set under a cold sky, the dancers’ beaming smiles warmed everyone’s hearts.

As of March 29, about 20–30% of the cherry trees were in bloom overall, so unfortunately they were not at full bloom.

Still, the lights that the students of Miyazaki Prefectural Gokase Secondary School worked hard to install cast a gentle glow that made the venue beautiful even with fewer blossoms.

Sakura Jingu Shrine is nearby, so I often go there, but the coolest time is on a rainy day

When you walk around the city, this figure suddenly appears

I thought it wouldn't snow in Tokyo this year.
In March, the early-blooming cherry blossoms began to bloom, and then the snow fell.

Snowy scenery of early-blooming cherry blossoms at Sakura Jingu Shrine

Very cool scenery typical of Japan

🌸 Enjoy spring in Nobeoka! Spectacular spots colored by history and nature 🌸

📍 Gokase River Levee (south side)
🌿 Kawazu cherry blossoms × rape blossoms

At the Gokase River levee, you can stroll along Konohana Road lined with 300 cherry trees and one million rape blossoms!
Now in its 17th year, Konohana Road features Kawazu cherry trees, which have a long blooming period. To let more people enjoy the blossoms through the end of March 2025, the site (Gokase River levee) will be open as the Konohana Sakura Festival.

📍 Nobeoka Castle Ruins / Shiroyama Park
⛩️ History × cherry blossoms × illumination

Some 300 Somei-yoshino cherry trees bloom around the 19 m-high “stone wall of a thousand slaughters.” At night, the illuminated stone wall and cherry blossoms create a dreamlike scene.
During the illumination period from Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, April 6, 2025, various events will be held. On Saturday, March 22, the Waiwai Gourmet Expo offers a wide range of foods, character shows, and music and comedy performances.

📍 Nobeoka Castle Ruins / Shiroyama Park
🌺 History × one of Japan’s three great wild camellia groves

Nobeoka Castle Ruins Park hosts 3,300 wild camellia (yabutsubaki) trees across 108 varieties, flowering from late October through late April, with peak season from December to March.
Its standout feature is the full spectrum of flower colors—red, white, pink, variegated, and edged.
You can also enjoy famous camellia varieties such as Nobeoka, Kamei, Mokusuï, Shiroyama, and Naito, plus rare trees that bloom in three different colors on a single trunk!

🌸Daisen Park Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up Concert🎶

At the famous cherry blossom spot Daisen Park, a night cherry blossom light-up concert will feature professional musicians, including Sakai goodwill artist Wataru Inamoto (clarinet).🎶✨
Take this chance to buy a ticket and come enjoy the illuminated, magical Daisen Park.🌙🎼

📅 Concert date: Saturday, March 29
⏰ Start time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
👥 Capacity: 500 people
🎫 Ticket price: ¥1,800 (¥2,000 on the day)
📍 Ticket outlets: Sakai Station, Sakaihigashi, Daisen Park Tourist Information Center,
ICOROBA Cafe Terrace (in the Daisen Park Ikoi no Hiroba)
🎵 Performers: Wataru Inamoto (clarinet), Erina Sasaki (piano), Shotaro Tsuji (percussion), Katsuki Choi (saxophone)
🎶 Program:
・Come, Spring
・From the NHK Taiga Drama “What Will You Do, Ieyasu?”
・“I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady
・A Bouquet for You with Love
・Dance of the Knights and more
※Canceled in case of rain.🌧
※Audience will sit on the lawn, so please bring a picnic sheet.
For more event details, please check Sakai City’s official website.🔍

Night Cherry Blossoms and Minato Mirai Night View
The night view of Yokohama Minato Mirai seen from the rows of cherry blossom trees on the Yokohama Car road, the Yokohama Landmark Tower and Queen's Square Yokohama's skyscrapers and night cherry blossoms somehow harmonize and become an oasis in the city.

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status
🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom
※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom
❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom!
🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL
🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q
Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field.

🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom
🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025
📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town
#Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!!
#Food truck locations are…
☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana
🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field
※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.