Photographed on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

[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!

The 18th Spring Baki Horse Festival "Tokkome Yosai – Rakugo and Skit" ――― A Rakugo performance by the Kan'entei Ichimon will be held in the area associated with the famous "Kongen-tei Basho"! Enjoy a variety of Rakugo performances and the unique atmosphere of a live performance that you can't experience anywhere else. This year is the Year of the Horse! There will be a special lottery to commemorate the Year of the Horse 🐎 We hope to see you there! ✨ 【Date】Saturday, May 9th 【Time】Doors open: 1:00 PM, Performance starts: 1:30 PM 【Venue】Kirari Kamagaya Civic Center Kirari Hall 1-1-3 Tomioka, Kamagaya City, 3rd Floor Shopping Plaza Kamagaya 3-minute walk from Hatsutomi Station on the Keisei Matsudo Line (Public transportation recommended) 【Capacity】500 people (all seats reserved) *Admission for preschool children is not allowed. *Preschool children can enter only in the parent-child seating area (first 8 seats, reservation required) 【Application】Kamagaya City Cultural and Sports Division (phone, in-person, application form) By 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 7th 【Fees】Advance tickets: 2,000 yen, On-the-day tickets: 2,500 yen (No on-the-day tickets will be sold if advance tickets are sold out) 1,000 yen for junior high school students and under (same price for advance and on-the-day tickets) Please check the city’s homepage for more details! 【Cultural and Sports Division】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kanko-bunka-sports/bunka/kunishiseki/harunomakiuma/18harumaki.html...

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.

Would you like to enjoy a walk where you can experience Saijō’s unique spring water culture, known as "Uchinuki," during a peaceful season? We recommend a 2.4 km walking course along the Aquatopia water system (a waterside-friendly area), stretching from Kanon Water to the Saijō Domain Jinya Ruins. From mid-April to early May, you can enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery: wisteria blossoms at Teishō-ji Temple (Kannon Hall) near the starting point, and vibrant azaleas in the moat-side area at the endpoint, creating a beautiful harmony of flowing water and seasonal flowers. Along the way, you will find many attractive stops, including Uchinuki spring water tasting spots, cafés, sweet shops, and local farmers’ markets—perfect for a relaxing and leisurely experience. In the historic moat-side area around the Ōtemon Gate from the Edo period, a beautiful streetscape unfolds where waterside scenery blends with outstanding examples of modernist architecture, such as the local museum, folk craft museum, and a church. This unique landscape showcases the harmony of history, architecture, and pure spring water—an essential part of Saijō’s charm. At the Saijō Tourist Information Center (open year-round, 9:00–18:00), visitors can obtain a Water Walking Map and information about bicycle rentals. It is recommended as a starting point for your exploration. Spot Information Teishō-ji Temple (Kannon Hall) 47 Kitagawa, Saijō, Ehime 793-0042, Japan Saijō Domain Jinya Ruins 234 Akeyashiki, Saijō, Ehime 793-0023, Japan Saijō Tourist Information Center 798-1 Ōmachi, Saijō, Ehime 793-0030, Japan Image List Image 1: Kanon Water Images 2–3: Wisteria at Teishō-ji Temple Images 4–7: Along the Aquatopia walking course Image 8: Ōtemon Gate Images 9–10: Folk Craft Museum / Local History Museum Images 11–12: Church Images 13–15: Area around the Jinya Ruins.

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.

【The Beloved Chinese Cuisine in Miyoshi!】 A popular spot where you can casually enjoy authentic Chinese food 🍴 Introducing "Machikado Chuka Baihou" located in Tokaichi, Miyoshi City. The dishes served during lunch time include familiar favorites like "Mapo Tofu," "Dan Dan Noodles," "Five-Flavor Fried Rice," and "Dumplings" 😊 With simple seasoning that appeals to Japanese tastes, the care taken in preparation is evident, and the unpretentious deliciousness is the reason for its popularity 😋 Baihou is not just an ordinary "town Chinese restaurant." For dinner, you can fully enjoy authentic Chinese courses such as Peking Duck and Shark Fin Soup, as well as a variety of a la carte dishes featuring seafood and meat. Customers range from families with children to the elderly. Many people come here saying, "You can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in Miyoshi." Even during our visit, there were continuous orders for appetizers and reservation calls coming in✨ The owner, Mr. Sasaki, is from Miyoshi City. He was inspired to pursue this path after encountering truly delicious Chinese food while working part-time. "I want many people in Miyoshi to enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine." With that thought in mind, he returned to Miyoshi and opened the restaurant. "Machikado Chuka Baihou," loved by many repeat customers, is a place you should definitely visit 😊 ＼Introducing seasonal dishes and recommended menu items／ Check out the restaurant's Instagram @bai_feng53163✨ 【Machikado Chuka Baihou】 ■Address: 3-15-52 Tokaichi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture ■Business Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday *For other temporary closures, please check @bai_feng53163. ■Hours Lunch: 11:30 AM – (L.O. 2:00 PM) Dinner: 5:00 PM – (L.O. 9:00 PM) Close at 10:00 PM ■🅿 7 parking spaces next to the restaurant ■Phone: 0824-53-1630 ■Others *Please make reservations by phone. *Private rooms are available. *The dishes and menu items listed are as of the time of posting.

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!

When you come to Kushiro, you absolutely must see the sunset. The view from Kushiro Prince Hotel is not just a sunset; it's an "experience." During this time, when the sky slowly changes color, there is a beauty that cannot be captured in photos. At the end of your trip, enjoy this view. For accommodation and sightseeing, save information about the world's three great sunsets. 👆 ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja...

On April 17, 2026, the Lake Mashu Safety Prayer Festival was held at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, and at the same time, the drive course connecting Lake Mashu First Observatory and Mt. Io, known as the Mashu Lake Iozan Sky Road, was opened🚙🐾 It seems that flags, as shown in the photos, are also on sale at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace🚩 The view from the Mashu Lake Lounge within Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace is also beautiful✨ Be sure to check it out.

Looking into the river flowing through Akan Lake Onsen Town, I saw schools of wakasagi swimming upstream to spawn. It seems the fish are also sensing the arrival of spring☀️🐠✨️.

Introduction of Supporting Companies - 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Instagram of Teshikaga Navi, we will gradually introduce the supporting companies that have collaborated with us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce "CAFE SOFTWOOD"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to "CAFE SOFTWOOD" for your support of this event. 🙇🛶 We appreciate your continued support for the "Teshikaga Photo Contest" and "Teshikaga Navi." https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Hello, this is Ryusuidō. Shosenkyo Gorge is enveloped in soft new greenery, welcoming a pleasant season🌿 The weeping cherry blossoms at Shōgyokudō in the Takigami area are gradually turning into leaf blossoms, but they are doing their best to greet everyone😊 The mountain rose (yamabuki) blooming close to the rocky surface also reminds us of the season!❗️ Shosenkyo is also famous as the birthplace of the April birthstone, crystal. It can be used for everything from accessories to interior decor and is said to be a "universal stone" that brings good fortune, purification, and protection, making it suitable for anyone✨ In the Takigami area, there are many spots where you can forget your daily routine and have fun, such as the Hachushuike, where you can toss in eight balls for wishes, so please come visit Shosenkyo‼ All of our staff are looking forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles😊

On April 17, 2026, the Lake Mashu Safety Prayer Festival was held at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, and at the same time, the drive course connecting Lake Mashu First Observatory and Mt. Io, known as the Mashu Lake Mount Io Sky Road, was opened 🚙🐾 At Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, flags, as shown in the photos, are also on sale 🚩 The season has arrived to enjoy Lake Mashu visible from the Third Observatory ✨ We invite you to visit us at least once. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/masyuresthouse/...

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.😊

About a 10-minute walk from the station. Kushiro is the perfect base for your stay. Conveniently located for both sightseeing and business. The "just right distance" allows you to make effective use of your time. If you're enjoying a trip to Hokkaido, make Kushiro your base. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

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

On the first day of the marche, May 2nd (Saturday) to May 4th (Monday), the entrance of Roadside Station Kamu will be bustling with Nishiokoppe Marche. To coincide with the first day of the marche, we will hold a window art project where participants can paint on windows! The theme is "Flowers and Songs," and we invite you to decorate the windows inside the Roadside Station. Anyone, young or old, from inside and outside the village, is welcome to join. Participation is free of charge. Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by an adult. The event will take place from 10:30 to 11:30, but staff will be available until 15:00 when the marche vendors close, so feel free to ask if you'd like to draw! The materials used will be washable crayons. Additionally, in the hall where the karakuri organ is installed, the windows have been decorated in advance by local volunteers, so please look forward to that as well. The drawings you create will be displayed until mid-July. If you happen to pass by the Roadside Station, please stop by and take a look at the artwork!

Expo Memorial Park Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, Senri Expo Park Adults (high school students and above) 450 yen, children free. *Revised from April 1, 2026 Must-See Attractions Tower of the Sun and Interior Tour The symbol "Tower of the Sun" created by Taro Okamoto is the face of the park. Not only can you admire its exterior, but there is also an interior tour available by reservation, allowing visitors to experience a powerful space that recreates the exhibitions from the Expo era. Japanese-style Garden This authentic strolling garden was developed for the 1970 Expo, featuring ponds, tea houses, and waterfalls scattered throughout, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn foliage. This area is detailed as a "highlight of the Japanese-style garden" by the park's official introduction.

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!