[Activity Report] We held a rice planting monitoring tour at the Sky Terraced Rice Fields in Reihoku on April 19th.🧑‍🌾 Hello everyone, this is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On Sunday, April 19th, we conducted the "Reihoku Sky Terraced Rice Fields Rice Planting Monitoring Tour." Although it was a light rain on the day, working in the fog-shrouded, magical rice terraces provided a deep and tranquil experience, different from sunny days. ■Experience the abundant "daily life of farmers" During this tour, participants not only planted rice but also harvested fresh asparagus and experienced shiitake mushroom inoculation. 🌾Rice Planting: Enjoying the feel of the cold mud, step by step. Planting seedlings in the fog allowed for a pleasant concentration. Asparagus Harvest: Picking the fresh asparagus on-site. The joy of harvesting blew away the fatigue of work. 🍄‍🟫Shiitake Inoculation: The sound of tapping on the wood echoed in the rainy rice terraces. We also experienced this long-lasting job while thinking about the harvest. ■Lunch time accompanied by the "sound of rain" We enjoyed our lunch under the roof, with the sound of rain as our background music. We will take the feedback from this monitoring tour to gradually implement various experience menus. Thank you very much to everyone who participated, especially in the rain!

Taken on March 25, 26. This is Maestro on the 1st floor of Resona Koedo Terrace, open every Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM. It features Winter Berry Mocha and a financier made with buckwheat and matcha.

Taken on April 18, 2014. This is the Koedo Risona Terrace and the double cherry blossoms.

Hello everyone watching the Cool Japan video! This is the Takinoue, Okhotsk Tourism Association from Hokkaido. In our first post for the Cool Japan video, we will provide you with all the tourist information about Takinoue Town in Hokkaido. You will discover Japan's largest Shibazakura Takinoue Park, the beautiful Kinsenkyo Gorge with its many waterfalls, and the region that produces the highest amount of domestic Japanese mint. By the time you finish reading, you will surely feel, "I want to visit Takinoue!" Please enjoy until the end! ■What kind of town is Takinoue, Hokkaido? An essential aspect of discussing the attractions of Takinoue Town is its nickname, "Kaori no Sato" (Fragrant Village). The sweet scent of Shibazakura flowers, the refreshing aroma of Japanese mint, which boasts a significant portion of domestic production, and the fragrance of timber from the forestry industry gently envelop the entire town with the changing seasons. All of Takinoue's tourist spots are places where nature and human activities deeply intertwine, making it a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy travel with all five senses. ■How to access Takinoue, Hokkaido? The Doto Expressway and the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway extend to Takinoue Town, located midway between Asahikawa City and Monbetsu City, making it possible to take an express intercity bus from Sapporo in just 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing for day trips. For visitors coming from outside Hokkaido, it is convenient to use Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport, which is about 50 minutes away by car, or Asahikawa Airport and Memanbetsu Airport within a 2-3 hour range. There are no JR stations within the town, but express intercity buses operate from Sapporo and Asahikawa. Please stop by as a transit point for sightseeing in Asahikawa and Okhotsk. ■Basic information about Takinoue, Hokkaido Takinoue Town is located in the northern part of Hokkaido, with a total population of about 2,128 as of the end of March 2026. The town is surrounded by mountains on three sides, except for the east, with Mt. Teshio (1,558m) and Mt. Kitami Fuji (1,306m) towering above, while the clear Shokotsu River runs through the town. It is particularly gaining attention from travelers who want to experience the great outdoors, making it a prime area for driving trips and nature tourism. ■Recommended tourist spots in Takinoue, Hokkaido 【Shibazakura Takinoue Park】Japan's largest pink carpet The symbol of Takinoue Town is Shibazakura Takinoue Park. The approximately 100,000 square meters (about 2.14 times the size of Tokyo Dome) of Shibazakura flowers spread across a small hill in the city center, creating a pink and purple carpet that captivates visitors from early May to the end of May. Starting from just a box full of seedlings over 60 years ago, the Shibazakura has grown into one of Japan's largest colonies. On sunny days, you can stroll through the sweet fragrance while enjoying views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and the Kitami Mountains. The entrance fee is 500 yen for adults during the Shibazakura blooming period. 【Kinsenkyo Gorge】A stunning valley of waterfalls and clear streams The approximately 4.2 km long gorge, dotted with various famous waterfalls such as Rakuyō Falls, Kōryū Falls, and the Couples Falls, is truly breathtaking. The walking path in Kinsenkyo Gorge is paved with wood chips, making it easy on the feet, and from spring to autumn, you can enjoy forest bathing while observing rare alpine plants and many wild birds. Especially during the autumn foliage season in Kinsenkyo (from early to late October), you can enjoy the magnificent waterfalls competing with the fiery autumn leaves, and walking events with guides are very popular. 【Herb Garden】Experience the "Fragrant Village" with all five senses The Herb Garden (Kaori no Sato Herb Garden) is a symbol of Takinoue, known as "Kaori no Sato." From June to September, a vast 4-hectare garden with about 300 types of herbs blooms, allowing for a five-sensory experience of seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. At the Fragrance House on the hill, you can also enjoy light meals and experiences using the herbs harvested from the garden. It is a must-visit spot for summer tourism in Takinoue, where you can fully experience the refreshing aroma unique to one of Japan's leading Japanese mint production areas. 【Ukishima Wetland】A high moorland in a hidden paradise Nature lovers should definitely visit Ukishima Wetland. This high moorland at an elevation of 850 meters is dotted with various ponds of all sizes, and the "floating islands" created by the roots of wetland grasses create a rare landscape. Diverse alpine plants such as Ezo Isotsutsuji, Chinguruma, and Mōsengoke grow naturally, and Ezo salamanders and many wild birds also visit. You can enjoy the original nature of Hokkaido on a round trip hike of about 2.5 hours, making it a special hidden spot with only great nature and tranquility. Nature guides who walk with local guides are also popular. 【Yokushokuen】A garden registered as a northern landscape heritage. An original garden created by a single person as if painting on the earth. From the end of April to October, a unique landscape unfolds, changing its expression with the seasons as plants thrive. ■What are the recommended gourmet foods and specialties of Takinoue, Hokkaido? 【Japanese Mint (Domestic Japanese Mint Oil)】 A specialty product that Takinoue Town proudly offers, responsible for most of Japan's domestic mint production. It can be widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food, and is available for purchase at the roadside station "Kaori no Sato Takinoue" and others. 【Shibazakura Soft Serve Ice Cream】 A classic Takinoue gourmet sold within Shibazakura Takinoue Park during the Shibazakura Festival, featuring a pale pink color that catches the eye. The scent of Shibazakura and its gentle sweetness are popular, making it perfect for social media. ■When are the events and festivals in Takinoue, Hokkaido held? 【Fairytale Village Takinoue Shibazakura Festival】(May) The largest event of the year is held every year from early May to the end of May at Shibazakura Takinoue Park. On weekends, you can enjoy the "Phlox Marche" (food and market, workshops, mini live performances), and the "Shibazakura SKY Cruise" viewed from a helicopter is also very popular every year. 【Fairytale Village Takinoue Hometown Festival】(August) An event packed with activities such as log cutting championships, bon odori dances, fireworks festivals, gorge walks, and a grand lottery, allowing you to fully enjoy the local summer. 【Kinsenkyo Autumn Leaves Walking Event】(October) A seasonal tradition that concludes the autumn in Takinoue. Held in mid-October, you can enjoy the magnificent waterfalls and fiery autumn leaves while walking the Kinsenkyo walking path with experienced guides. The gorge, about 4.2 km long, is dotted with various famous waterfalls such as Rakuyō Falls and Kōryū Falls. The walking path is paved with wood chips, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, from the fresh greenery of spring to the autumn foliage. ■We look forward to welcoming you to "Kaori no Sato" Takinoue Town! Japan's largest "Shibazakura Takinoue Park," the beautiful Kinsenkyo Gorge, the "Herb Garden" filled with the fragrance of 300 types of herbs, and the mystical "Ukishima Wetland." Please enjoy the unique experiences that can only be had in Takinoue Town, surrounded by the great outdoors of Hokkaido! We will continue to provide the latest information about Takinoue through the Cool Japan video, so thank you for your continued support! Official website of Takinoue, Okhotsk Tourism Association https://takinoue.com...

Taken on April 15, 2014. This is the Yae Cherry Blossom at Resona Koedo Terrace and the Kurazukuri townscape.

Event Announcement📣 On April 26th (Sunday), the 68th Honbetsu Sanke Tsutsuji Festival will be held again this year😊 At Honbetsu Park, the venue, vibrant Daurian Azaleas and Ezo cherry trees will welcome everyone🌸 Inside the venue, you can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods from local restaurants, live performances by the Hamburger Boys, a bingo tournament, a bouncy land, and a smoke experience, among many other attractions‼️ One of the highlights is the specialty "Jumbo Yoshitsune Hot Pot," a delicious pork soup packed with local ingredients. Be sure to give it a try😍 Come with your family and friends to this spring festival filled with gourmet food and entertainment🤗 📍Date: April 26, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM *The event will proceed even in light rain 📍Location: In front of the stage at Yoshitsune no Sato Honbetsu Park (Higashimachi, Honbetsu Town) 【Requests for Attendees】 To ensure everyone enjoys a safe and fun time, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following points. - Please refrain from bringing pets. - Please take your trash home with you (trash bags are available at the main tent). - Fishing equipment will not be available for rent. Please bring your own to participate. - Driving cars or bicycles after drinking is considered drunk driving, so please refrain from doing so.

Taken on April 12, 26. This is the Yae Cherry Blossom at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. If you look closely, there is a Yae Cherry Blossom in the lower left with 🩷.

Taken on April 18, 26. This is the Sasara Lion Dance of Ishihara.

Photographed on April 18, 2014. This is the Sasara Lion Dance from Ishihara. It features the lion and the mountain deity. A performance will take place today as well.

I attended the grand festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Kakinomoto Shrine. Around Kakinomoto Shrine, you can see Gioiko, a type of double-flowered cherry blossom known as green sakura.

Taken on March 15, 2026. This is the matcha basque cheesecake with sakura topping from LEC COFFEE. It has a fragrance of sakura.😊🌸

Taken on March 15, 2014. This is a black latte from LEC COFFEE. What a lovely latte art!

Taken on March 15, 26. This is a quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. This time, it features quiche with cherry tomatoes, new onions, bacon, and cabbage. It comes with homemade ham, salad, white vegetable potage, and homemade bread. I visited around the time the cherry blossoms of Shingashi River started to bloom.

Taken on April 15, 26. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki-dōri Store. I had an oat milk latte and blueberry rare cheesecake. I consumed anthocyanins.🫐 Thank you for the lovely latte art.😊

The camellia blooms gracefully under the sunlight 🌺 It was a vibrant red, as if sharing the strength of spring✨️

Taken on April 9, 2014. This is a windmill next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Let's go to the spring Okhotsk! "Okhotsk Flower Tour Marche at HTB On-chan Terrace" will be held on April 17th (Friday) and 18th (Saturday) for two days. This event is full of highlights, including information on spring flower tourism in Okhotsk, a gathering of local characters, sales of local specialties, ice floe displays, and workshops. Engaru Town will feature the popular "National Treasure Blend" coffee from the local coffee shop, Murakami Coffee Shop, with the owner selling coffee beans, grounds, and drip coffee personally. Tasting will also be available! Additionally, thanks to the cooperation of the Enyu Agricultural Cooperative and the Engaru Town Asparagus Production Association, we will offer a limited quantity of sweet and rich Engaru spring asparagus "Nyo-kiz" at a special price! These will sell out quickly! There are plenty of other fun activities planned for these two days. We look forward to seeing you all! Venue: 6-1-1 Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido HTB On-chan Terrace Date: April 17th (Friday) 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM April 18th (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Today, I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the Nagori-zakura, set up in conjunction with the annual festival at the Gokoku Shrine. It was taken on April 12th.

[All About Gokasecho in Spring 🌸] Here are some photos of Gokasecho in full bloom 📷 Rhododendrons, weeping cherry blossoms, and Akebono azaleas were in full bloom! Please feel free to submit your photos for Gokase Hanami 2026!

Taken on April 1, 2014. This is a café latte and a cinnamon crumble tart from cafe andon. What a lovely latte art! 😊

Taken on April 1, 26. This is the cinnamon crumble tart from cafe andon. The tart crust is layered with homemade marmalade jam and topped with cinnamon crumble. It has a wonderful aroma of cinnamon and marmalade.

Taken on March 8, 26. This is the café latte from CAFE ANDON and a matcha shortcake with strawberries and red bean paste. The mug and the green of the matcha look beautiful.

Taken on March 8, 2026. This is the matcha shortcake with strawberries and red bean paste from cafe andon. When we think of spring, we think of Kawagoe Matcha and strawberry cake.🍰

This year's cherry blossoms are coming to an end👀✨ In the end, I encountered the gently swaying weeping cherry blossoms against a backdrop of blue sky. Watching the petals flutter down makes me feel a bit lonely, but I'm glad I could capture this moment in a photo... The seasons pass quickly, but I think I will keep this spring scenery in my heart forever. Thank you for this year's cherry blossoms🌸

Taken on April 1, 2026. This is the new menu item, Rigatoni Bolognese, from cafe andon. Highly recommended. 😊

Taken on April 12, 2014 (Heisei 26). This is the Reitaisai (annual festival) held at the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Gokoku Shrine.

Event Announcement 📣 Masuya Shoten, a bakery based in Obihiro City, will open a new experiential facility called "Mugioto Horse Park – Hill of Horses and Wheat" on Saturday, April 18, 2026, focusing on horses and wheat. 😊 This facility is an experiential space adjacent to the Mugioto bakery, where visitors can enjoy interactions with banei and Dosanko horses, take part in horse-drawn carriage experiences (reservation required), and learn about local resource circulation, all while appreciating the unique values of Tokachi. Before the opening, the "Horses and Wheat Forum" will be held on Friday, April 17, followed by an opening event on the 18th (Saturday) and 19th (Sunday). 🎵 🔶Horses and Wheat Forum This forum will discuss the new relationships and possibilities between horses and the local community from various perspectives. 📍Event Overview ・Date: Friday, April 17, 2026, 13:00 - 16:00 ・Venue: Beat Museum / Mugioto Horse Park ・Participation Fee: Free (Capacity: 30 people, online streaming available) 📍Content ・Lecture: "New Possibilities for Horses" ・Panel Discussion ・Carriage Demonstration and Ranch Tour Experts from various fields, including support for retired racehorses, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and local culture, will participate in discussions about the future of horses and the community. 🔶Opening Event Overview 📍Date April 18 (Saturday) 10:30 - 14:30 April 19 (Sunday) 10:00 - 14:00 📍Main Activities ・1,000-Person Pizza Experience Participants will create pizzas using Tokachi-grown wheat "Banei Kitano Kaori" and "Tokachi Mush" from the local resource circulation project "Banei to Mushroom to Wheat Circle". During the event, experience tickets will be distributed to purchasers of a certain amount. The goal is to provide experiences for 1,000 people over the two days. ・Carriage Experience Two types of horse-drawn carriages pulled by two horses will circulate within the facility. ・Mobile Sales and Limited Products Event-exclusive products and bread inspired by horses will be sold by the Masuya bus.

Taken on April 12, 2014 (Heisei 26). This is the annual festival of Gokoku Shrine at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I have received permission from the individual to post this photo.

Today, I explored Kawagoe. When I visited Shusse Inari Shrine, they were performing a traditional music demonstration. It seemed quite auspicious.

Taken on April 11, 2014. This is the Inari Shrine within the grounds of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It seems that mist is being released regularly.