Taken on May 1, 26.
This is the lemon and poppy seed shortcake and café latte from cafe andon.
The latte art is lovely too.😊☕️🍋

I went to Uradome Coast in Tottori Prefecture!
It was the first time I saw such a transparent sea, and it was very healing.
I really hope you go see it!
The croquettes sold at the Roadside Station in Iwami were also very delicious!☺️

Taken on May 1, 26.
This is the lemon and poppy seed shortcake from CAFE ANDON.
This is also a cake I look forward to every year.😊🍋

Taken on May 1, 2026.
This is the Bolognese rigatoni from cafe andon.

Mojiko First Ship Dock
The sun tilting over the strait and Shinsui Hiroba

Photo taken on: May 16, 2026
Equipment: SONY α7II + Sigma 20–200mm

Sunlight filtering through the Blue Wing in the Mojiko Retro Area
The time when Shinsui Hiroba at the First Ship Dock is dyed in the sunset

Mojiko, more people are coming to capture the sunset
At the end of the last century, just when the retro project was starting, I used to wonder, "Why doesn’t everyone take pictures of the sunset here?"

Saragamine

The Saragamine hiking trail is popular for its lush paths and the colorful flowers that change with the seasons, offering various scenic views.

Among them, the "Ryūjin-daira" that unfolds before you halfway up the mountain is a must-see. A gentle and vast wetland stretches out ahead, leaving first-time visitors amazed, thinking, "I can't believe such a view is so close by..."

From Ryūjin-daira, you pass through a beech virgin forest to reach the summit. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kumakogen town (to the south).

While multiple routes exist, the one from the wind hole trailhead at Kamihayashi Forest Park in Toon City is the most popular.

Photographed on May 22, 2026.
This is the flower arrangement at Hara Florist.

Taken on May 17, 26.
I visited Enko on the second floor of the building next to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.
It was a set meal with enzyme brown rice, sweet potato curry, kombucha, soup, and salad.
It was a healthy lunch. I will visit again.

Kanmon Evening View
The silhouette of the Kanmon Ferry crossing the strait with the sunset reflecting on the sea and the shadows of people on the quay

Photo taken on: May 5, 2026
Equipment: SONY α7II + Minolta AF500mm F8 reflex

The setting sun tilts to the west, shining brightly on the waves of the Kanmon Strait
The silhouette of the Kanmon Ferry heads towards the pier on the Moji Port side at the end of the quay

The Kanmon Ferry is a water bus that operates back and forth between Shimoseki on Honshu and Moji Port on Kyushu
The 5-minute boat ride experience and the scenery are part of the charm of the Kanmon area.

Taken on May 19, 2014.
This is the flower water at Omiya Hikawa Shrine.
I intend to visit when I feel healthy both physically and mentally.

Taken on May 19, 26.
This is the flower water offering at Omiya Hikawa Shrine.
I didn't have enough time, so I hope to take a leisurely stroll next time.

"The Sotomo Strait and Monji-gasaki illuminated by the morning sun, with the silhouette of the Kanmon Bridge"

Photographed: July 22, 2024

Monji-gasaki is located on the Kyushu side of the Sotomo Strait, the narrowest part of the Kanmon Strait, where Kyushu, as an island, is closest to Honshu.
At the tip, there is the Hesaki Lighthouse, which combines the morning sun, the tidal currents at your feet, and passing ships, making it one of the photo spots in the Kanmon Strait.

This favorite shot taken from the Karato side of Shimonoseki City, capturing the morning at the gateway to Kyushu, was submitted to the 22nd NEXCO West Japan Photo Contest and was awarded the Grand Prize in the Best Shot category for highways.
(It was also used in the calendar distributed by NEXCO West Japan, made from award-winning works, for September of last year (2025).

Taken on May 19, 2014.
After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store.
I had a chai latte and a chocolate terrine.
The chocolate terrine is said to be very popular.

Taken on May 19, 2014.
This is the pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on May 19, 2014.
These are the remnants of cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on May 19, 2014.
These are the remaining cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The sunset at Taga-cho, Shiga Prefecture, was perfect on this day!

Taken on May 19, 26.
This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine grounds and the Kawagoe City Gokoku Shrine.
I sat on the bench in front and enjoyed the cool breeze.

Event Announcement📣

On Sunday, May 24th, the 46th Hirocho Azalea Festival will be held at Daimaruyama Forest Park😊
Approximately 12,000 Ezo Yamazutsujis will beautifully decorate the venue🎵

On that day, Yasu from HBC Radio's "Car Navigation Radio Afternoon First!" will serve as the host, energizing the venue.
A variety of programs will be available, including Tokachi Port's Soran Dance, a special balloon show by the clown Gucci, a BINGO tournament with luxurious prizes, and a quick-eating contest called "Shishamon Pick" featuring local specialties‼

In the gourmet corner "Full Belly Market," delicious offerings from various shops will be sold.
You can also enjoy fresh seafood purchased on-site using the grilling station.
Additionally, you can taste the "Hakkaku Oyakata's hometown Chanko Nabe" provided by the Women's Promotion Council of three organizations in Hirocho😍
Shuttle buses will operate from Hirocho Elementary School to the venue, ensuring that elderly guests and those with small children can attend comfortably🤗

Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday) 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: Special Venue at Daimaruyama Forest Park

https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp/kankou/event/

As my health has improved, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
This is the shrine grounds around 7:30 in the morning.
I prefer to visit alone and take my time.

April 26, 2018, Agematsu Town, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest

Currently, Kiso has transformed into a season of fresh greenery after the cherry blossoms have fallen.
The entire area is green, showcasing a different side of Kiso compared to March and April!

As we transition from spring to summer, it is getting hotter...🥵

On April 26, 2025, the Yozakura Festival will take place in Okuwa Village.
Every year, the Yozakura Festival is held in Okuwa Village.
There are many stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at night!

April 26, 2024 Kiso Town – The Cherry Blossoms
The cherry blossoms behind Kiso Hospital were in full bloom and looked beautiful!
I wonder if they can be seen from the ward? They are blooming in a lovely spot.

April 26, 2016, Narai Inn, Shiojiri City: Cherry Blossom View
Narai Inn was as lively as always.
The riverside is very beautiful with fully bloomed cherry blossoms.

Sennen-ji offers a great view of the cherry blossoms from above, making it a recommended spot.

April 26, 2016 Kiso village Cherry Blossom Conditions

Kiso village, located on the northern side of Kiso, has a delayed cherry blossom bloom.
The cherry blossoms blooming along the river are very beautiful!

April 26, 2009: Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kiso Town, Hiyoshi

Tokon-ji, the family temple of Kiso Yoshinaka located in Hiyoshi, Kiso Town, becomes surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, creating a stunningly beautiful scene!

April 9, 2026, Agematsu Town Cherry Blossom Appearance
Bringing you the spring of Agematsu Town!

On April 26, 2003, here's how the cherry blossoms looked in Nagiso town.
I apologize for the late post...
Although I am late, I bring you the sights of spring in Kiso!

Midono inn (Midono-juku) and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

Taken on May 18, 2014.
When I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, a wedding ceremony was just about to start.
Encountering a wedding ceremony at a shrine is said to bring good fortune.
May you all have wonderful things happen to you as well.

Event Announcement📣

The "Tokachi Shimizu Pottery Market" showcasing the charm of pottery from Hokkaido will be held in Shimizu Town😊

Kilns from all over the region will participate, displaying handmade items such as dishes, cups, and vases that radiate warmth.

The venue will also feature a fun lottery and a limited number of local product giveaways (milk and famous sweets), making it a delightful two-day event filled with gourmet treats and shopping🎵

Take a drive in May and come find your favorite pottery!
This event is enjoyable for pottery lovers and families alike🤗

📍Date and Time
・Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
・Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

📍Venue
Shimizu Town Cultural Center Foyer
(3-3 Minami, Shimizu Town / Across from Shimizu Town Hall)

🔶The first 200 attendees each day will receive "milk"🥛
🔶After 2 PM, the first 200 attendees will also receive "Shimizu Town's famous sweets"!😍
🔶Fun lottery: One entry for every purchase over 3,000 yen!
Exciting prizes are up for grabs (one ticket per 1,000 yen)

https://www.shimizu-hokkaido-ta.jp/2026/04/13/%E3%82%84%E3%81%8D%E3%82%82%E3%81%AE%E5%B8%82%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B/