[Spring Marche 2026] How did everyone spend the Golden Week holidays? From May 2nd (Saturday) to May 4th (Monday), the Spring Nishiokoppe Marche was held at the entrance of Nishiokoppe Roadside Station "Kamu." The first day had a cloudy sky with light rain, the second day was warm and sunny, and the third day saw snow following rain. While the weather wasn't ideal for a market, many people from both inside and outside the village visited the roadside station and stopped by the marche 🙌 With the chilly temperatures, the red wine stew made with deer meat and the wild vegetable tempura udon were particularly comforting 🍜 In addition to items to eat on the spot, there were also baked goods and sweet potato snacks available for takeout, along with a children's festival booth! Looking back, the light-hearted conversations with the people I was working with made for a truly enjoyable three days. I received a lot of energy from customers saying, "It was delicious!" Let's meet again at the Autumn Marche in September!

I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I finally recovered from a cold, but due to a stressful event, I felt dizzy and had to sit down during the ceremony. I'm not good with social interactions, so I would appreciate it if I could be left alone during the monthly festival. 🥹

Taken on April 1, 2014. This is Hanatetsu's flower water.

Taken on April 18, 2014. This is the Basque cheesecake with strawberry jam from LEC COFFEE and an original chai. I plan to explore Kawagoe once my health improves.

Taken on April 18, 2014. This is a Basque cheesecake with strawberry jam from LEC COFFEE-san.🍓

Taken on May 5, 26. This is a performance by the Aoi Bayashi group.

Photographed on May 4, 26. This is the Inariyama satokagura by the Umebachi Association. It is the dance of the bow pulling.

Event Announcement📣 On May 16th (Saturday), the "Sumomo no Sato Matsuri 2026" will be held in Sarabetsumura😊 This event allows you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and local gourmet food in the "Sumomo no Sato," where about 1,000 plum blossoms will be in full bloom🎵 At the venue, there will also be a "Nodate" (outdoor tea ceremony) by the tea ceremony club and a "Yoga Experience." Additionally, as a special gift for attendees, the first 500 people who respond to the survey will receive a bag of "Donguri Mura Potato Chips"‼ Furthermore, a photo contest will be held simultaneously! Please post your photos of plum blossoms taken at Sumomo no Sato on Instagram with the hashtag "#SarabetsumuraSumomoNoSatoMatsuri2026" and tag the Sarabetsumura Tourism Association (sarabetsumura_kankou)! Prizes will be awarded for outstanding works, so be sure to participate🤗 Date and Time: May 16, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM *The event will be held rain or shine Location: Inside Donguri Park, Sarabetsu Sumomo no Sato https://www.sarabetsu.jp/sightseeing/event/sumomo/...

Taken on May 4, 26. This is the Satokagura performance 'Inariyama' by the Umebachikai. Tenko is dancing.

On May 5th (Tuesday), we held the "Rekifune River Clear Stream Carp Streamers Children's Day Mini Event"! The weather was favorable, and the event was a great success. Thank you to everyone who attended! Additionally, the installation of the carp streamers along the Rekifune River has concluded as of May 6th. We look forward to next year's event!

Wisteria Rain It's an umbrella, you know ( ´艸｀) Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Photographed on May 4, 2026. This is the satokagura (a type of traditional Japanese folk performance) "Inariyama" by the Umebachi Association. The attendant is deep in thought.

Photographed on May 4, 26. This is "Inariyama" performed by the Umebachi Association's Satokagura. Inari Okami is dancing.

This is the Mitsumata Colony in Mushiidani, Akitakata City. The entire valley is covered with Mitsumata, making it feel as if surrounded by a swarm of fireflies.

Taken on May 8, 26. This is the Flower Festival at Saiunji Temple. The Flower Festival is held on April 8, but it seems that in Kawagoe, it is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. We pour sweet tea to celebrate the birthday of Buddha.

Taken on May 2, 2024. These are the pink lily of the valley at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. They are known as Peach Flower Bellflowers.

【Window Art at Kamu】 The windows of Kamu are beautifully decorated! Using crayons that can be drawn on the window and wiped off with a wet cloth, visitors to Kamu were invited to draw again this year🖍 This time, we set a somewhat abstract theme of "Flowers and Songs." That said, the children freely draw their favorite vehicles and game characters. No matter what kind of drawings they create, when the windows are filled with art, it feels like the roadside station comes alive, bringing a smile to our faces. The windows along the corridor leading from the restroom to the hall are adorned with drawings from children and adults who visited on the first day of the market. On the Flower Park side of the hall, where the mechanical organ plays, there are wonderful paintings by local volunteers lined up. Five artists each expressed the theme in their own unique ways, and I hope many people will come to see the five painted windows together. The exhibition is scheduled to run until mid-July. Please enjoy the windows inside the building along with the Flower Park!

Taken on May 2, 2024. This is the lily of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The language of flowers is "happiness arrives."

Wakazono Park Rose Garden Masago 2-chome, Wakasonocho, Ibaraki City Parking... Paid Free Pets are not allowed in Wakazono Park Rose Garden. (Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted.) Approximately 180 varieties of roses, the flower of Ibaraki City, are planted here, with around 1,750 plants blooming beautifully in spring and autumn each year. The best viewing times are from early May to early June and from late October to mid-November. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the roses from the observation deck, making it a relaxing spot for the community. - Closed on Tuesdays (except when that day is a holiday) Surprisingly spacious with a wide variety of roses. It's free, making it a great spot for a little outing or a walk.

Taken on May 2, 2026. This is the "Blessing Water Flower Handwashing" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It looks beautiful from any angle. Available for a limited time until May 6.

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for May📣 Hello everyone! Here’s the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in May♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes, with the popular "Ninoya" selling their famous "Ikinari Dango" as well! We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨ 【Scheduled Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Cabbage ・Chiffon Cake ・Potatoes ・Zucchini ・Broad Beans ・Onions🧅 (bulk purchase of irregular items) ・Dekopon ・Bankan (Kiyomi, Amakusa) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】May 10th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Water Offering of Happiness" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was available for a limited time, until May 6.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplets of Happiness Flower Water" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until May 6.

Rokka no Mori, located in Nakasatsunaimura, Hokkaido, is a vast area dotted with small art museums, where wildflowers that change with the seasons will greet you.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplet of Happiness" flower water at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until today.

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.

The carp streamers and the giant ema at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The ascending carp seems to bring good fortune. 🎏

Today is Children's Day. 🎏 This is the swimming carp boy from Taisho Romantic Dream Street.

Taken on April 15, 2014. This is a café latte from cafe andon, along with a matcha shortcake topped with strawberries and red bean paste. What a lovely latte art! 😊

Taken on April 15, 26. This is the matcha shortcake with strawberries and red bean paste from cafe andon. It was a limited-time menu and has now ended.