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

Photographed on January 15, 2014. These are the hanachōzu (flower water basins) at Senba Tōshō-gū.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Hara Florist.

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.

Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan Location: 2272-7 Kisohirasawa, Shiojiri City ◎ Masterful craftsmanship and the power of lacquer breathe life into materials Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan is conceived as a museum and shop. From the displayed and stocked items to the building materials and furniture, the facility proudly emphasizes wood—the hallmark of this region. The entire venue overflows with the warmth of Shiojiri and Kiso, offering everything from crafts to everyday household tools and mountain-country flavors unique to the area. ◎ A wide selection of local specialties from Shiojiri and Kiso, including the traditional craft Kiso lacquerware and Shiojiri wine A range of cultures born from interactions with nature. We introduce the attractions of local industries rooted in Kiso life—skills handed down for centuries—while also presenting new lifestyle ideas. A medal awarded at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, finished by the careful work of lacquer artisans, is on permanent display. Visitors can also enjoy a Kiso tsuishu (Kiso raised lacquer) sanding-and-revealing experience. (Advance reservation required at least two weeks prior) ◎ Traditional craft “Kiso lacquerware” hands-on experience menu (advance reservation required; please book at least two weeks in advance) Kiso tsuishu sanding-and-revealing experience Duration: Approximately 1 hour Fees: ① Coaster 2,200 yen ② Chopsticks 2,500 yen ③ Spoon 2,500 yen - Overview - Address: 2272-7 Kisohirasawa, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0264-34-3888 Fax: 0264-34-2832 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Every Tuesday / Open during busy seasons (closed irregularly) Parking: Standard cars: 500 spaces / Large buses: 10 spaces / Accessible: 4 spaces (all free) Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ramps Access: By car: 25 km (about 30 minutes) from Shiojiri IC / By car: 80 km (about 90 minutes) from Nakatsugawa IC / By train: JR Chuo Main Line to kisohirasawa station, then 20-minute walk

Miyazaki, a land where the gods descend — step into the world of kagura that preserves ancient prayers About 200 kagura traditions are still passed down in Miyazaki Miyazaki Prefecture has long been called the birthplace of myths, home to tales such as Amano Iwato, Tenson Kōrin, and UmisachiYamasachi. The kagura handed down across the prefecture skillfully weave these myths into performances, keeping unique local forms alive. Some 200 kagura still survive here, offered in gratitude to the gods and to pray for bountiful harvests, abundant catches, health, and protection from illness. The drums and flutes that resonate at shrines and in villages enchant visitors. A variety of kagura shaped by each region One of kagura’s charms is that its background and repertory vary by region. Among these, the widely known Takachiho Night Kagura consists of thirty-three pieces, including the descent of the gods and the to-tori (door-taking) rites. Miyazaki is home to four nationally designated kagura traditions—the Mera Kagura, Shiiba Kagura, Highland Divine Dance, and Takachiho Night Kagura—the most in the country. Other local kagura are deeply rooted in their communities and display distinctive features in dance, accompaniment, and masks. Many of these traditions have been preserved for centuries and stand as one of Miyazaki’s representative folk cultures. Kagura dances offering thanks and prayer Kagura movements are filled with gestures to welcome the gods and offer gratitude and prayers. From basic footwork and hand movements to elegant sleeve-rolling and the brave drawing and releasing of a bow in certain pieces, the performances range from powerful to playful. The dances and accompaniment carry the prayers of Miyazaki’s people and their gratitude and hopes for living in harmony with nature. A seasonal highlight from winter to spring — kagura invites you into a special time Kagura reaches its peak from November through around March each year. During this season, the sounds of kagura music echo from shrines and villages across the prefecture, and communities become wrapped in the kagura atmosphere. Most performances are open to visitors, and some are held regularly to welcome tourists. Drawn by kagura’s appeal, many people visit annually to enjoy this seasonal tradition. A journey with kagura — experience Miyazaki more deeply Kagura itself embodies a culture in which people’s lives and feelings are passed down through generations. When kagura brings you to Miyazaki, you can discover not only the performances but also stunning scenery, local ingredients, hot springs, and many other charms of the prefecture. Visit Miyazaki, the place where the gods descend, and experience its attractions. For more details, please check the Official Tourism Website of Miyazaki Prefecture, “Official Tourism Website of Miyazaki Prefecture.” https://www.kanko-miyazaki.jp//

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is a hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s black latte and a sweet potato Basque cheesecake. I often visit after worshipping at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It’s a treat I look forward to after visiting. 😊☕️

Event Announcement 📣 “Hombetsucho Bean-Scattering Night” will be held on Saturday, January 24th 😊 This event, timed for the Setsubun season, celebrates beans, a local specialty of Hombetsucho. Setsubun takes place the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring) and traditionally involves scattering beans to drive away evil spirits. It is said this practice began to ward off the misfortune and demons that can enter at seasonal boundaries 👹 At this event we will stage a dramatic bean-scatting spectacle using more than 2.5 tons of consecrated beans to vanquish many demons, and a “bean shower” where participants are drenched in over 100 kg of beans like a waterfall, among other bean-themed attractions. A lineup of food trucks will also gather so you can enjoy plenty of gourmet treats 🎵 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/mamemakanight.html...

Minami-izu Town, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, is dotted with a wealth of geosites that give a sense of the workings of the Earth, including a complex coastline and dynamic cliffs created by undersea volcanic activity. Additionally, Mikomoto Island in Minamiizu Town is a world-famous diving spot where you can see schools of hammerhead sharks. Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, the area is extremely dense with fish, and there is a high probability of encountering large schools of fish (hammer rivers) from summer to autumn, attracting many experienced divers from both Japan and abroad. Located in the open ocean, you can enjoy drift diving (diving while being carried away by the current) and it boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of fish. -- For more information about tourism in Minamiizu Town, Minamiizu Town Tourism Association【official】 WEB：https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=596705&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot...

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s sweet potato Basque cheesecake. I will visit again once work settles down. 😊

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is a black latte from LEC COFFEE. It features beautiful latte art.

“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!

Photographed on January 11, Heisei 26. This is a quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. It includes a chicken and spinach quiche, salad, white vegetable potage, and homemade bread. Lunch is now by reservation only.

After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a cacao mousse latte and a ruby chocolate cake.

Open only two days a week!? 😍 Three hidden gem bakeries in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture you’ll want to go out of your way to visit 🥐💞 Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5461... As a foodie in my 30s who loves sweets, I adore hunting for places that aren’t “ordinary.” In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, there are hidden bakeries that operate as mobile vendors or only open on limited days. I actually visited them and will introduce them here! Be sure to check the Shobara Tourist Navi website’s “Editorial Report”!

Photographed on January 1, 2014. This is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s Ichinen Andai fortune slip. Available only during the New Year season.

Photographed on January 1, 2014. This is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's Ichinen An-tai fortune slip. Available only during the New Year period.

The time has finally come!! Tsukigase’s major event that draws about 200,000 visitors over roughly three weeks!! The Tsukigase Plum Grove Plum Festival!! Tsukigase Plum Grove was designated as Japan’s first nationally recognized Place of Scenic Beauty!! We look forward to welcoming many visitors again this year!!

Today I attended the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the shrine precincts around 7:30 a.m.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is Chabudai-san’s morning. It has changed to carrot potage. 🥕 Hon-Kawagoe PePe closed yesterday. We are busy with the closing work now, and once things settle down, it’s likely to feel lonely. 🥹

On Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026, we will hold an Iwanai Onsen PR event on the second floor Center Plaza of New Chitose Airport. Hot spring hand baths experience ♨ Tastings of craft beer from Iwanai-cho 🍺 Information about the hot spring and town tour “DISCOVER IWANAI,” and a small gift for those who complete our survey♪ Although Iwanai Onsen sits right next to the Niseko area, it is a quiet port town hot-spring destination surrounded by sea and mountains ♨ It has earned nationwide recognition as a beautifying hot spring. Rather than a bustling tourist spot, this is a place we want people to discover who seek quiet, unhurried time with the hot springs. Meet us at the airport, and next time meet us on site. Whether you live nearby or are passing through on a transfer, please feel free to stop by!!! Local specialties will also be on sale at the event booth. Take this chance to get to know Iwanai-cho!!

Hon-Kawagoe PePe has closed. After I started working at Hon-Kawagoe PePe, I grew to love Kawagoe and began taking photos. I am grateful to Hon-Kawagoe PePe. 🥹

Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹 I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆 You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨ We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰 This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏 We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕 Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!

Photographed on January 11, 2014. After the New Year’s fire brigade ceremony at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, I visited Chabudai-san. It’s lemonade. When it’s cold, lemonade is the thing. 😊🍋🍯

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s Fortune Tai Omikuji for new adults only.

From Hakuba Mountain Harbor, you can see breathtaking views of the Northern Alps on clear days. The first time I saw them, I was so captivated by the scenery that I lost myself for a while.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine offers a "Mirai An-tai" fortune slip exclusive to new adults. It runs until January 12. I hope to receive one too. 😊

I watched the New Year’s fire brigade ritual by the Kawagoe Wakatobi Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. They look sharp.